In January, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau welcomed three new orthopaedic surgeons who now call Northland home.

Their arrival has significantly expanded the region’s capacity to see more patients—including rural clinics across Te Tai Tokerau.

While the Orthopaedic Department at Whangārei Hospital has been providing rural outpatient clinics for many years, the addition of these surgeons means more frequent and widespread outreach.

“The additional orthopaedic surgeons have lifted the number of clinics we can provide every eight weeks,” Katy Wilkinson, General Manager Surgical and Perioperative Services, says.

“On average, that is 160 more patients a month being seen across a diverse range of specialities, including Talipes, diabetic foot clinics, patient follow-up clinics and new patients.”

After a formative year working in Northland in 2023, orthopaedic surgeon Tom Kuperus has returned to Whangārei with a long-term vision: to grow with the region and help shape the future of orthopaedic care.

He’s also passionate about teaching and professional development.

“We have one of the best orthopaedic teaching programmes in the country. I’m proud to contribute to that and to work alongside some of New Zealand’s finest surgeons.”

When Zaid Bahho first arrived in Northland as a training registrar, he and his wife—also working in the orthopaedic department—had no plans to stay long term. But something about the region quickly captured their hearts.

Now settled in Whangārei, Zaid is part of a growing team of orthopaedic specialists committed to delivering high-quality care across a vast and diverse region.

“We see a wide range of complex cases—often more than you’d expect in a major centre. It’s incredibly rewarding to help patients who’ve travelled long distances for care, and who are so genuinely appreciative.”

“We serve a large geographical area, and access to care can be difficult for some patients. That’s why expanding our clinics and theatre capacity—especially in outlying areas—is a key goal for the future.”

Orthopaedic surgeon Marinus Stowers also joined the team this year, bringing expertise in foot and ankle surgery. With a strong commitment to rural health equity, he runs a weekly diabetic foot clinic and plans to expand this work—offering a multidisciplinary team approach to improve diabetic foot care, reduce amputations, and lower hospital admissions.

Photo: (L to R) Dr Tom Kuperus, Dr Zaid Bahho and Dr Marinus Stowers