It my privilege and honour to invite you to the 2027 New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO) biennial conference ‘6 Degrees of Separation’. The conference is scheduled for 12-14th August and will be a celebration of our profession, where we will capture the connections between clinical and scientific research as well as highlight our relationships with our colleagues around the world.

The NZAO planning committee has searched internationally and domestically to assemble a world class scientific programme you can access on home soil. On the first day of the conference, we will educate ourselves with our cherished orthodontic auxiliaries. On the second day the orthodontic auxiliaries will enjoy a dedicated programme, while the orthodontists will dive deeper into the conference programme. The third day is a half day of learning for orthodontists only. In addition, we have organised a pre-conference workshop that I’m sure many of you will take advantage of.

The conference will be held in our most southern city, Invercargill, at a unique venue, Bill Richardson Transport World. Those of you that are travelling from further abroad, such as our Australian colleagues, may consider flying to Queenstown (adventure capital of the world) and then travelling to Invercargill. There are direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Queenstown. We are actively encouraging our closest neighbours to join us.

As always, we couldn’t do this without the backing of our sponsors and exhibitors. Reassuringly there has been overwhelming support for this conference and we trust that you will engage their services.

We have a themed gala dinner planned at Bill Richardson Transport World, surrounded by vintage cars. A beautiful dinner and setting awaits, and after dinner we will dance the night away. The following night an exclusive dinner is planned for the orthodontists.

We know that this will be a well-attended and memorable conference, so book early so you don’t miss out. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Warm regards,
David Wescott
NZAO President