Day 2 | Session 2 | Plenary | Endometriosis - winds of change

Endometriosis in New Zealand: closing the gap between current practice and optimal care

This presentation will critically examine the current state of endometriosis diagnosis and management in New Zealand, highlighting gaps between clinical practice and best-evidence care. It will present findings from national public service surveys conducted in 2020 and 2026, illustrating progress, persistent inequities, and system constraints. New Zealand’s approach will be benchmarked against Australia following implementation of the National Endometriosis Action Plan, with a focus on actionable lessons to improve outcomes for patients.


Dr Michael Wynn-Williams
Lead Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery
Auckland

Dr Michael Wynn-Williams is a New Zealand gynaecologist with extensive clinical experience in both New Zealand and Australia, specialising in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery and the management of endometriosis. 

He has been Auckland-based for the past five years and works across public and private health services. Dr Wynn-Williams is the first New Zealander to serve as President of the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery Society (AGES) and has held numerous senior leadership roles in clinical governance, service development, and surgical education. 

He has been closely involved in establishing advanced laparoscopic and fellowship training programmes and has a sustained focus on improving access, quality, and equity of care for patients with complex gynaecological conditions.

Navigation guide – the new RANZCOG Living Evidence Guideline

Cindy will be presenting the new recommendations from the 2025 Endometriosis Guideline developed by RANZCOG. She will highlight new developments in diagnosis and management. 


Professor Cindy Farquhar

Dean of Research and Policy for RANZCOG
CNZM, FRSNZ, MBChB, FRCOG, FRANZCOG, CREI, MPH, MD

Cindy is the Postgraduate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Auckland and works as an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and fertility specialist at National Women’s Health.

Cindy trained in New Zealand and in London. Cindy has led the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility group since 1996. She is also a clinical trialist. She has also been the Co-Chair of the Cochrane Board 2014 to 2018. 

Cindy is also the Dean of Research and Policy for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In 2024 Cindy and her team were awarded the Beavan Medal.

Diagnosis – Sounding the depths: Endometriosis ultrasound scanning

This presentation will reframe endometriosis diagnosis beyond surgery as the default gold standard, showing how contemporary ultrasound can deliver a confident diagnosis that often allows patients to avoid diagnostic surgery. Practical scanning strategies, including evolving techniques for superficial disease, will be discussed with a focus on real-world clinical impact.


Dr Guy Fisher

Specialist Gynaecologist
AGES-accredited Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon
Gynaecological Sonologist

Dr Guy Fisher is a specialist gynaecologist, AGES-accredited advanced laparoscopic surgeon and gynaecological sonologist with a career focus on endometriosis. He obtained his ASUM DDU through Astra Radiology and The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne and completed a dedicated gynaecological ultrasound fellowship at University College London Hospital. 

His clinical practice sits at the intersection of endometriosis and fertility, with high-quality ultrasound integrated into every consultation.

Calming the storm – Hormone suppression in 2026 and beyond

Hormonal management is a mainstay treatment for endometriosis. This session will unpack the different hormonal options available in New Zealand and internationally with a focus on tailoring choices for individual patients. 


Dr Amelia Ryan
Gynaecologist
Te Whatu Ora - Waitemata

Amelia is a gynaecologist based in Auckland, New Zealand. She completed her FRANZCOG training in Melbourne, with advanced training at the Royal Women's Hospital focused on advanced laparoscopy and the holistic management of pelvic pain. 

Amelia works in the Minimally Invasive Gynaecology Service at Te Whatu Ora Waitemata and privately at Advanced Gynaecology Auckland (AGA). She has a special interest in the surgical and non surgical management of pelvic pain. She is a member of the Endometriosis NZ Clinical Advisory Committee and is working with them to improve access to internationally available hormonal treatments in New Zealand.

Charting new waters – beyond the horizon: Biomarkers, Sclerotherapy, AI

This presentation explores emerging frontiers that could transform diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. We highlight the promise of novel biomarkers, innovative sclerotherapy techniques, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in improving precision care for endometriosis. It invites clinicians and researchers to look ahead to a future where earlier detection and personalised therapies are within reach.


Dr Jessica Dunning
Consultant Gynaecologist
Te Toka Tumai

Jessica is a New Zealand trained Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. She obtained her Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG) in 2021, then completed two further years of advanced training in laparoscopic surgery in Auckland. 

Jessica practices as a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Te Toka Tumai Auckland as part of the minimal access surgery team. Her clinical interests are in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding and fibroids.