About the New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists

The Constitution

The New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists was founded in 1948 as a forum in which anaesthetists around New Zealand could share information and experiences, with the intention of improving the anaesthetic care provided to patients in a field of rapidly increasing technical complexity.

Initial membership of the Society was 39. Dr. Eric Anson of Wellington, the Society's first President, along with Drs. Alf Slater (Wellington), Tim Taylor (Christchurch) and John Ritchie (Dunedin) were key figures in establishing the new group.

The Constitution and By-Laws, adopted at that first meeting, were similar to those already adopted by the Australian Society of Anaesthetists and formed the basis of the Constitution adhered to by the Society today.

The object of the Society has essentially remained the same since its inception: to promote the provision of safe anaesthesia and medical care throughout the duration of the patient’s surgical procedure.

The Society is governed by an Executive Committee comprised of currently practising anaesthetists elected every two years by ballot of all financial members.

Charitable Status

In 2008 the New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists became registered as a charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005.

• Certificate of Registration