Pataka Room One
Tauwaka Room Two
08:30:00 - 09:45:00
Forces in Motion: Translating Foot Function into Effective Mechanical Therapy- Presented by Damir Metljak
Understanding the mechanical drivers behind lower limb pathology requires looking beyond static structure to dynamic function. This session offers a step-by-step look at how clinical podiatrists assessjoint motion and dynamic loading patterns during gait. We will analyze the direct link between abnormal foot mechanics and tissue injury, and discuss how to translate these assessments findings into practical, real-world, solutions - from targeted orthotic prescriptions to specific footwear interventions.
Damir Metljak is a sports and exercise podiatrist who's passionate about helping both patients and podiatrists move better, think smarter, and manage pain more effectively. His clinical style blends practical realism with innovation, shaped by years of experience working with everyone from elite athletes to busy, sleep-deprived parents trying to stay active. He's a regular speaker at conferencesand workshops across Australia andoverseas, known for delivering content that's relatable, clinically useful, and immediately applicable. For the last decade, Damir has also been actively involved in lecturing and clinical education at the University of South Australia, where he enjoys mentioring and supporting future podiatrists.
In 2022, he became an Australian Podiatry Association (APODA) Certified Sport & Exercise Podiatrist, reinforcing his commitment to high-level, evidence-informed care.
At this year's conference, Damir brings his trademark practical insight, clinical honesty, and real-world perspective to his session "Forces in Motion: Translating Foot Function into Effective Mechanical Therapy".
09:45:00 - 10:30:00
Lymphoedema Assessment and Compression Garment Selection: A Practical Guide for Orthotists
Presented by Jodie Reynolds, Jackson Allison
Lymphoedema is currently an incurable, chronic condition that requires accurate assessment and appropriate compression management to optimise patient outcomes. As orthotists in New Zealand, you play a key role in providing compression garments, so understanding the clinical assessment process is essential. This presentation will provide a practical overview of lymphoedema, including its presentation and development, before focusing on assessment techniques that guide compression garment prescription. Topics will include patient assessment, limb measurement, garment selection, and factors influencing clinical decision-making, supported by clinical case examples.
Jodie Reynolds is a lymphoedema physiotherapist originally from Wales, now based in New Zealand since 2012. She has extensive experience across public and private healthcare settings.
A published author and award recipient from the British Lymphology Society, Jodie is committed to advancing clinical practice through education, research, and innovation. She is the designer of a globally used head and neck compression garment and currently serves as Secretary of the Oncology, Palliative and Lymphoedema Special Interest Group for Physiotherapy New Zealand.
From pilot to practice: Establishing an integrated pain clinic at Peke Waihanga, the New Zealand artificial limb service
This presentation describes the development of New Zealand's first national integrated pain service dedicated to people living with post-amputation pain, from a six-month pilot to a permanent clinical service. It will share the rationale, implementation, early outcomes, and lessons learned in delivering equitable, interdisciplinary pain care through a combination of telehealth and face-to-face clinics across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Sheela is a Rehabilitation Medicine and Specialist Pain Medicine Physician based in Auckland. She is the Clinical Lead of the National Integrated Pain Clinic at Peke Waihanga New Zealand Artificial Limb Service, where she runs an interdisciplinary programme for people with pre- and post-amputation pain. Her work integrates pain medicine with prosthetic and rehabilitation care, delivered through a hybrid clinic model integrating face-to-face, virtual and GP-facilitated consultations. Beyond her current role, Sheela is interested in supporting the development of sustainable pain management in low- and middle-income countries.
10:30:00 - 11:00:00
Morning Tea
11:00:00 - 12:30:00
Massons Workshop by Phil Parish
Exploring upper and lower limb Functional Electrical Stimulation systems
Join us to explore available Functional Electrical Stimulation options available for both the upper and lower limbs from Massons Healthcare. With a brief overview of FES, this session will focus on the Fesia Grasp and Evomove systems including demonstration and hands on experience for attendees
Phil is Business Development Manager for Massons Healthcare, based in Adelaide, South Australia, as part of our experienced customer support team. Phil graduated from Latrobe University in Melbourne in Prosthetics & Orthotics in 2005 and has practiced in both public and private settings. Phil enjoys exploring the evolving technologies within P&O as a clinician and believes in finding the best solution for every patient is critical to best practice.
Challenges of a modern Transfemoral Socket design - M.A.S.® 2.0 SOCKET DESIGN Presented by Marlo Ortiz
The prosthetic Socket technologies after above knee amputation is currently experiencing many innovative care approaches around the world that raise questions and make even experienced providers think about.
Since M.A.S.® Socket introduction in 2000, its main objective was to have more ischial-ramal containment, which made the transfemoral amputee to have more prosthetic control, improve range the of motion, socket comfort, and cosmesis.
The anatomical shape of the socket has been improved to define every specific part of the anatomy of residual limb to create the adequate channels for the extensors, flexors, adductors muscle groups.
For many years, the use of plaster casts was the technique used. This design, being an
anatomical/mathematical model, has been integrated into digital technology for better fitting, minimal manufacturing time, and greater precision.
This design has been disseminated in more than 40 countries for 25 years.
11:45:00 - 12:30:00
From Clinical Prescription to Fabrication: Keeping the Prosthetist at the Center of Digital Workflows Presented by Umang Parashar (Co Founder Rombus)
Umang Parashar is a licensed Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO) and co-founder of Rombus, an end-to-end clinical workflow platform for orthotics and prosthetics.
A digital-first clinician with extensive global experience, she has worked through clinical practice at Andiamo (UK) and international consulting. She has collaborated with leading practitioners, fabrication labs, and manufacturers to build solutions that eliminate production friction while maintaining clinical rigor.
At Rombus, she leads brand strategy and customer partnerships. Her mission is building the end to end ecosystem that O&P practitioners need to scale without sacrificing clinical intent.
12:30:00 - 13:30:00
Lunch
13:30:00 - 14:15:00
The Orthotist's Operating System: How Integrated Workflows Amplify Clinical Judgment at Scale
Presented by Umang Parashar from Rombus
Umang Parashar is a licensed Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO) and co-founder of Rombus, an end-to-end clinical workflow platform for orthotics and prosthetics.
A digital-first clinician with extensive global experience, she has worked through clinical practice at Andiamo (UK) and international consulting. She has collaborated with leading practitioners, fabrication labs, and manufacturers to build solutions that eliminate production friction while maintaining clinical rigor.
At Rombus, she leads brand strategy and customer partnerships. Her mission is building the end to end ecosystem that O&P practitioners need to scale without sacrificing clinical intent.
Zeus Hand Presented by Paul Coleman from OPC
Built for durability and ease of use, the Zeus V2 from Aether Biomedical offers up to 14 predefined grip patterns, proportional control, touchscreen-compatible fingertips, and a modular design that enables rapid local repairs.
Its enhanced grip speed, robust construction, and high grip force make it suitable for a wide range of activities, while its streamlined digital support platform allows clinicians to optimise settings and support users efficiently
Zeus V2 is now available in medium and small QWD or Flexi wrist options, makes the Zeus the smallest myo electric hand available.
Name: Paul Coleman
Position: Technical Sales Prosthetics OPC Health
I graduated as a clinical Prosthetist Orthotist in 1989 at CIT New Zealand. I was employed at
Auckland Hospital and Christchurch Artificial Limb Centre before moving to Melbourne in 1996. I
started at OPC Health in 1997 employed as Prosthetic Product Manager and Technical Sales. OPC
Health represents some of the world’s leading technology in Prosthetics and Orthotics offering
customers the largest range of high-quality products and materials from Europe, North America,
Japan and Canada. It has been my pleasure to help provide the latest technologies and innovative
materials into the Australian and New Zealand Prosthetic markets for over two decades.
14:15:00 - 15:00:00
Streamlining Solewise Custom Footwear & Orthotics with Orthogenix and OGscan Presented by Dr Sayed Ahmed from Orthogenix
The prescription and manufacture of custom footwear and orthotic devices have traditionally involved multiple manual processes, lengthy turnaround times, and communication challenges between clinicians and manufacturers. This presentation introduces the Solewise digital workflow, powered by Orthogenix and the OGscan scanning App, to simplify and modernise the entire process.
Attendees will learn how clinicians can digitally capture foot and foam box scans using an iPhone or Ipad, submit prescriptions through the Orthogenix platform, review designs digitally, and monitor each stage of production from scan to delivery. The presentation will also demonstrate how this integrated workflow improves clinical accuracy, reduces manufacturing time, enhances communication, and supports better patient outcomes.
Through real-world case studies and live demonstrations, participants will gain practical insights into implementing a fully digital workflow for custom footwear and orthotic prescriptions in everyday clinical practice.
Dr Sayed Ahmed is a certified pedorthist, PhD (Pedorthics), MBA, C Ped CM (Au), and Australia's first doctoral-qualified pedorthist. He is the Founder and CEO of Orthogenix, Foot Balance Technology, and Foot Balance Technology BD, specialising in custom footwear, orthotic solutions, diabetic foot care, and healthcare technology innovation. Through Orthogenix, Dr Ahmed has pioneered a digital workflow incorporating the OGscan mobile scanning system, enabling a more efficient approach to the prescription, design, and production of personalised footwear and orthotic solutions. He is an active researcher, educator, and international speaker dedicated to advancing technology-driven approaches that enhance clinical practice and patient care.
15:00:00 - 15:30:00
Afternoon Tea
15:30:00 - 16:15:00
Aesthetic Prosthetics — Redesigning the Ankle-Foot Orthosis Through a Lens of Aesthetic Expression
Antonia Martin is a recent Master of Design Innovation (Industrial Design) graduate from Victoria University of Wellington. Her thesis, Aesthetic Prosthetics, began as an exploration of para athletes and their relationship with prosthetic devices, before narrowing in on the ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) as an area with real opportunity for change. The resulting work looks at how AFOs can support both clinical function and personal identity, giving wearers more say in how their device looks and feels to them. Combining participatory research with technical development, including FEA-validated design and SLS fabrication, her work explores how aesthetic choice might sit alongside existing clinical requirements rather than compete with them. The project was developed with support from Peke Waihanga Artificial Limb Service, with advice from Adept Medical, Move Me Health, and sponsorship from Product Accelerator and Brooks New Zealand Limited. Antonia is currently looking forward to bringing her human-centred approach to the medical device industry.
16:15:00 - 16:45:00
OTTOBOCK Motivational Speaker Presented by Chris Cairns New Zealand cricketers C- Brace journey
New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns shares his incredible journey with the C-Brace, showing how it has helped him reach his goals and boost his mobility. A true testament to the power of hard work and commitment!
Chris Cairns is a former New Zealand BlackCaps cricketer and former Black Caps ODI captain.
He played for the New Zealand cricket team from 1989 to 2006 as an all rounder.
Chris finished his NZ Test and One Day career with a combined 8270 runs and 418 wickets. In 2000, he was named as one of five Wisden Cricketer of the Year and in that same year, he was named man of the match in the ICC Champions Trophy Final scoring a hundred to help win NZ’s first International trophy.
In the first England v NZ Test at Lord's in 2004, Chris passed Sir Vivian Richards's previous record of the most sixes hit in Test cricket. Post cricket, Chris has been involved in media and charity work as well as founding various business startups.
In August 2021, Chris survived an Aortic Dissection. During this life threatening condition he suffered a spinal stroke which left him paralysed from the waist down and currently confined to a wheelchair. In January 2022, Chris was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent surgery followed by six months of medicated chemotherapy.
An eternal optimist, Chris continues his daily rehab with a vision to keep his body healthy and his mind clear to one day, walk again.
16:45:00 - 18:00:00
Friday Fun
18:00:00 - 19:00:00
Drinks & Nibbles
Join us for a complimentary evening with drinks & nibbles, included with your event ticket! Please select this session if you intend to attend so we can ensure catering numbers
Pataka Room One
Tauwaka Room Two
08:30:00 - 09:45:00
More Than Just Hypermobility: Understanding Connective Tissue Disorders Presented by: Aimie O'Hara, Active Plus Physiotherapy
Connective tissue disorders are common yet frequently under-recognised, often leading to delayed diagnosis and suboptimal management. This presentation will explore the clinical features of hypermobility and connective tissue disorders, highlight common co-morbidities and red flags requiring referral for further assessment, and discuss the role of orthotic management in improving stability, function, and long-term outcomes. Practical strategies and clinical case examples will provide orthotists with evidence-based approaches to optimise care for this patient population.
Aimie O’Hara is a paediatric physiotherapist and neurodevelopmental therapist with over 15 years of experience across New Zealand, the UK, and Qatar. She has worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Starship, Kidz First, and Sidra Medicine, with expertise in neurological, neurodevelopmental, and musculoskeletal paediatrics.
Aimie is a co-author of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy for Tamariki, serves on the Physiotherapy New Zealand Paediatric Special Interest Group Committee, and is a member of the EDS NZ Aotearoa CORE Network of Excellence. She is passionate about helping children with complex conditions achieve their full potential through evidence-based care.
09:45:00 - 10:30:00
Dose Matters: Why orthotic dosage might be the missing link in patient outcome Presented by James Baxter
James is a well revered podiatrist who has been in practice since 1988 and has extensive experience working with athletes across a number of different codes. His list of involvements include, All Black, Auckland Blues, Warriors, Silver Ferns and Black Ferns.
James is has also been a lecturer in Postgraduate Physiotherapy (Auckland University of Technology) and Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (University of Auckland).
Power meets precision: What's new in TASKA CX™ and MyTASKA Presented by Ed Neale, TASKA
Discover the latest advancements from TASKA, including major enhancements across the TASKA CX and MyTASKA. This workshop provides the opportunity to explore the latest features, configuration options, and clinical applications, helping you optimise outcomes for your patients.
This session will be led by Ed Neale, New Zealand Technical Sales representative at TASKA prosthetics. Ed supports clinicians and their patients across New Zealand while also contributing to TASKA's global marketing and commercial activities. His background in marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement helps bridge the gap between technology, clinicians and end users.
10:30:00 - 11:00:00
Morning Tea
11:00:00 - 12:30:00
FIOR & GENTZ Neuro Orthotics: NEURO SWING AFO implementation post stroke Presented by Tim Amor from Ossur.
Discover how NEURO SWING AFOs can transform mobility outcomes for people following stroke through a fully interactive and clinically focused workshop.
Designed for clinicians who want practical skills they can apply immediately, this session takes participants through every stage of the patient journey, from assessment and prescription through to casting, fitting, alignment, calibration, and device optimisation.
Get hands on with the FIOR & GENTZ software, explore real clinical cases, and learn the decision making process behind effective tuning strategies. Along the way, you'll gain practical tips, troubleshooting techniques, and a deeper understanding of how to maximise outcomes for your patients.
The workshop finishes with a live diagnostic casting demonstration, bringing the concepts together in a real world clinical setting.
Introducing Lazar Posture: A New Standard for Optimising Clinical Outcomes Presented by Ine De Smedt, Ottobock
Objective static measurement remains a cornerstone of effective Prosthetic and Orthotic practice. This workshop introduces Lazar Posture, a new static optimisation system designed to bring precision and repeatability to your clinical work.
Through a combination of live demonstration and hands on participation, attendees will explore the system’s core functionality, examine real world use cases across clinical settings, and learn how objective static measurement data can be integrated into your practice and be used to enhance outcomes.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to: (1) understand the principles behind static postural optimisation, (2) identify appropriate clinical applications for the system, and (3) apply its outputs to measurably improve patient outcomes.
Suitable for all Prosthetist, Orthotists and Physiotherapists.
Ine De Smedt is a Prosthetist/Orthotist with a background spanning physiotherapy, orthotics and prosthetics. During three years of clinical practice as a physiotherapist, she pursued further training in Orthotics and Prosthetics and obtained her ISPO Category I Bachelor in Orthopaedics from Thomas More University (Belgium). After working clinically in New Zealand, she joined Ottobock Australia, where she combines clinical practice with professional education as Academy trainer for the Ottobock Australia Academy. Her areas of expertise include lower-limb prosthetics, gait analysis and neurorehabilitation. Passionate about collaborative, multidisciplinary care, Ine remains actively involved in clinical practice while supporting the development of clinicians across the region.
12:30:00 - 13:30:00
Group Photo & Lunch
13:30:00 - 15:00:00
The Evolving landscape of SSCO: Integrating Innovation into Clinical Practice Presented by Derick Adendorff, Ottobock
Recent developments in Swing and Stance Control Orthotics (SSCO) have expanded the clinical options for managing lower limb instability. This session highlights the latest updates to the Ottobock SSCO portfolio, including a new solution addressing key gaps across the mobility spectrum.
Attendees will explore how these innovations fit within clinical practice, with a focus on patient selection, biomechanics and functional outcomes to support informed clinical decision-making.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to: (1) understand how the Ottobock SSCO portfolio addresses patient needs across the continuum from post-injury rehabilitation to community reintegration, (2) select the most appropriate orthotic solution based on patient presentation, strength, functional ability and activity level, and (3) understand the structured pathway from clinical assessment through device selection and fitting to support optimal functional outcomes.
Suitable for all Orthotists and Physiotherapists.
Derick a Business Development Manager at Ottobock Australia, supporting clinicians and healthcare providers across Australia and New Zealand. He partners with clinical teams to deliver evidence-informed neurorehabilitation solutions that integrate advanced orthotic technologies into practice, with the goal of improving mobility, function, and patient outcomes.
Passionate about translating innovation into meaningful clinical outcomes, Derick is committed to supporting clinicians through education, collaboration, and the implementation of solution-focused approaches to patient care. Drawing on experience across diverse healthcare environments, he brings a practical understanding of how clinical innovation can be successfully integrated into everyday practice, helping clinicians deliver personalised, patient-centred rehabilitation.
Ӧssur Partial Hand Solutions: Hands-On Workshop Presented by Wolfgang Uken from Ossur.
Our hands are remarkable. They consist of 27 bones, 34 muscles, and more than 3000 touch receptors in each fingertip. Explore how partial hand prosthetic solutions can restore function and appearance through this interactive, hands-on clinical workshop.
Purpose:
This interactive workshop will explore partial hand loss and absence, while showcasing Ӧssur’s Bionic, Mechanical, and Cosmetic partial hand solutions. Through hands on workstations, participants will gain practical experience in assessment, intake, and solution selection. Whether you are new to partial hand prosthetics or looking to expand your clinical knowledge, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical skills that can be applied immediately in practice.
Key learning outcomes:
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of Ӧssur's partial hand portfolio. Through a series of hands-on workstations, attendees will explore assessment and solution selection considerations, work through key stages of the intake process, and gain valuable insights into matching the right solution to the right user with greater confidence.
Content overview:
Prevalence and implications of partial hand and finger loss or absence. Prescription options and considerations
Overview of Ӧssur partial hand solutions
Practical participant workstations
Intended audience:
P&O clinicians looking to improve prosthetic outcomes for partial hand clients.
15:00:00 - 15:30:00
Afternoon Tea
15:30:00 - 16:15:00
Introducing “The Agilik™ smart orthosis Presented by Salomi Anandashankar - Product Specialist Team Lead
Designed as a mobility aid, the Agilik™ smart orthosis moves with the wearer, providing dynamic knee assistance and resistance when needed during a patient’s gait. This helps patients with various conditions and pathologies stand more upright, walk more easily, gain muscle strength, walk longer, and boost independence. The lightweight Agilik actuator (550g/1.2lbs) is attached to a custom KAFO (knee-ankle-foot orthosis) by your orthotist, creating a personalized, comfortable, lightweight system. The Agilik is not an exoskeleton intended to hold a patient up and walk for them, but instead a mobility device designed to improve the user’s gait.
- Non-invasive mobility solution
- Customizable for each patient’s changing condition and their growth
- Proven wearable technology
- Smart system: real-time gait detection drives assistance for flexion and extension
- Flexible, personalized design for assisting anyone 5 years old and older
- For clinic, at home and community mobility
- Mobile app to initiate Activities of Daily Living modes
Salomi Anandashankar
Product Specialist Team Lead
Greater Toronto Area, Canada
Bionic Power Inc
16:30:00 - 17:00:00
Daniel Paul FPRINZ
Daniel is a recognised expert in the field of strategic communications and advocacy.
He devised the proprietary Advocacy Advantage System, a specialised suite of proprietary methodologies that provide a more scientific approach to advocacy.
A director-level advisor with 40+ years' experience, Daniel has:
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Launched Government programmes to taxpayers, spearheaded industries to financial markets and introduced new brands to consumers.
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Influenced public policy and political decisions and helped settle industrial disputes, both high profile and under the radar.
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Managed national publicity campaigns for big-name causes, defused major crises for big-name brands and helped SMEs and industry associations – both big and small – achieve their communications objectives.
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Assisted individuals with personal reputation management problems.
Daniel has worked at a senior level for Government, where he led the highly successful 2001 national hydro electricity crisis response. While in that role, he also managed the public launch of the Government’s inaugural Energy Efficiency And Conservation Strategy.
He has also served as CEO of a major primary industries NGO. In that role he managed the industry’s programme to over-turn Government proposals to import honey from Australia. His team were also responsible for doubling the Association’s membership in that time.
A Fellow of The Public Relations Institute of NZ, he sits on PRINZ’s Advocacy Leadership Group.
The PR Company
Daniel’s company, The PR Company, is a values-led advocacy and strategic communications agency. It specialises in providing advocacy and PR services to public good organisations, including industry associations and membership bodies and not-for-profits.
Conference presentation
Daniel will outline:
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The six steps of The Advocacy Advantage System and how it works.
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What advocacy generates for industry association members.
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The role association members can – and should – play in a successful advocacy campaign.
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A case study or two, including a glimpse at work worked – and what didn’t!
17:15:00 - 17:30:00
ISPO New Zealand Updates from Sean Tickner
17:30:00 - 18:30:00
AGM
18:30:00 - 20:00:00
Dinner
Join us for a buffet dinner!
Pataka Room One
08:30:00 - 09:45:00
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may also hurt: Changing the osteoarthritis narrative in New Zealand Presented by Prue Molyneux
Osteoarthritis (OA) is commonly described as a condition of “wear and tear”, reinforcing outdated beliefs that joint pain reflects tissue damage, inevitable deterioration and ageing. This narrative can influence how people understand OA, interpret symptoms and engage with care. Contemporary understanding recognises OA as a whole-joint condition.
Changing the OA narrative in New Zealand requires attention to verbal, conceptual and visual language. Terms such as “wear and tear” and “bone on bone”, the assumption that pain equals harm, and an overreliance on X-ray images that emphasise structural loss may perpetuate misconceptions and encourage an impairment-focused approach. Education is central to addressing these beliefs but must reflect current evidence and support health promotion.
A more constructive narrative frames OA management around participation, function and living well, rather than structural decline alone. Communication should acknowledge pain and disability while avoiding messages that increase fear or reduce confidence in movement and self-management. Reframing OA in this way may support more informed, empowering and contemporary care across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Dr Prue Molyneux is a practicing podiatrist, early career researcher, and Senior Lecturer at Auckland
University of Technology. Prue was awarded her PhD in 2024, supported by the Health Research
Council of New Zealand fellowship. Prue’s work focuses on the innovative use of diagnostic
ultrasound to detect early inflammatory features that predict osteoarthritis. Prue’s research has
been showcased at nine international conferences, contributing to 18 publications. Prue actively
contributes to the wider profession through her roles on the International Foot and Ankle
Osteoarthritis Consortium, the Osteoarthritis Research Partnership Panel, the ECR ambassador for
New Zealand on the Osteoarthritis Research Society International organisation and is an Associate
Editor for the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.
09:45:00 - 10:30:00
Joint Work, Better Outcomes: A Physio Perspective on MDT Orthotic Care presented by Kate Sole
Taranaki’s joint orthotist–physiotherapy clinic provides a unique, integrated pathway for paediatric disability clients, offering collaborative assessment, shared decision‑making, and coordinated follow‑up that extends well beyond the clinic walls. This MDT model has demonstrated clear benefits for children, families, and clinicians through improved communication, streamlined goal setting, and more efficient problem‑solving.
From a physiotherapy perspective, the value of joint work becomes most visible when viewed across the full continuum of care. This presentation will use case studies to illustrate how early collaboration before clinic attendance shapes clearer goals and more accurate orthotic prescriptions; how joint reasoning during the appointment supports compromise, functional decision‑making, and a deeper understanding of complex needs; and how community‑based follow‑up after orthotic fitting is essential for preventing abandonment, optimising function, and ensuring equipment remains aligned with the child’s evolving abilities.
This model also strengthens connections with other specialist services, enabling more holistic support. By tracing the journey from pre‑clinic planning to post‑fitting community support, this session will demonstrate why consistent MDT follow‑through is not just beneficial — it is critical for achieving meaningful, sustainable outcomes.
Kate is a physiotherapist/neurodevelopmental therapist working in paediatric disability services, with a special interest in collaborative MDT practice and functional outcomes for children using orthotic devices. Having completed her degree at Otago University, Kate has experience across several District Health Boards in New Zealand and at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in London. Since returning to her roots in Taranaki in 2019 and joining the orthotist–physiotherapy clinic, she has been closely involved in supporting children from initial assessment through to community‑based follow‑up. She is passionate about communication, shared goal setting, and ensuring orthotic interventions remain meaningful, functional, and responsive to each child’s needs and overall management. Kate credits training from Elaine Owen, Billi Cusick, and Mary Massery as major influences to her practise over the last 5 years.
10:30:00 - 11:00:00
Morning Tea
11:00:00 - 12:30:00
NRX Soft, Dynamic Splinting Workshop
Sponsored by Whiteley Allcare, Presented by Emma O'Neil
Specialist Orthotist Emma O'Neill will take us through the Mediroyal NRX strap range.
This strapping range can be used as a rehab or diagnostic tool as well as a definitive splint.
We will go through various MSK and Neurological applications and get hands on and practical!
Emma will be joined by her specialist neuro physio colleague who regularly attends the Align clinic for a collaborative team work approach.
Originally from Scotland, Emma began her career in the National Health Service before moving to New Zealand in 2017.
She spent her first few years predominantly working in ACC/private practice, specialising in neurological care, paediatrics, and lower limb musculoskeletal conditions.
After five years in product management working with international manufacturers and suppliers, she returned to clinical practice in 2026 to establish Align Orthotics on Auckland's North Shore.