NZSOHNS Council

Meet the Society’s Council and learn about its office-holder roles, training committee and Linsell Richards Education Foundation (LREF).

  • Murali Mahadevan

    President

    Associate Professor Murali Mahadevan FRACS

    President - NZSOHNS

    NZ Society of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery

    Chairs Council, leads the Society’s governance culture and represents NZSOHNS on high-level matters. Works with the Chief Executive / Executive Officer on Council agendas and matters requiring escalation, supporting collective stewardship and accountability to members.

  • President Elect

    This position is to be filled at the upcoming AGM in 2026

    Supports leadership succession and continuity, and undertakes strategic work delegated by Council. Helps prepare for the transition between Presidents so that the Society’s priorities and governance responsibilities continue smoothly.

  • Tom Kuruvilla

    Secretary

    Tom Kuruvilla

    Supports the Society’s governance by helping maintain meeting notices, minutes and records, supporting constitutional compliance, and providing continuity as Council and office-holders change.

  • Mike Bergin

    Treasurer

    Mike Bergin

    Provides financial governance oversight, advises on budgets and financial reporting, and oversees reserves and audit matters to support responsible stewardship of the Society’s funds.

  • Rujuta Cameron

    Webmaster

    Rujuta Cameron

    Helps maintain the Society’s website, keeping information clear, current and accessible. Works with Society office-holders and administration to update content and links so members, patients and visitors can find reliable information.

  • Rachel Care

    RACS Council Professional Standards Accreditation Representative

    Rachel Care

    The Professional Standards and Fellowship Services Committee (PSFSC) is responsible to Council for providing the policy framework to:

    • ensure maintenance of competence of Fellows

    • provision of high-quality surgical care to patients.

    The PSFSC meets in February, June and October each year.

  • Graeme van der Meer

    TEAC Chair

    Graeme van der Meer

    The TEAC Chair for a SET (Surgical Education and Training) program refers to the regional or national Chair of the Training, Education, and Examinations Committee (TEAC) within surgical governance, such as in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) under the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).

    Role and Responsibilities

    • Oversees trainee progression and assessment within the SET program.

    • Manages local and regional training subcommittees.

    • Coordinates curriculum delivery, supervision, and clinical placement quality.

    • Collaborates with national specialty boards on examination standards and policy.

  • Julian White

    Immediate Past President

    Julian Blair White

    Supports the transition to the new President, contributes institutional knowledge and provides advice where appropriate. Helps maintain continuity while Council works collectively on the Society’s priorities.

  • Jacqui Allen

    Academic Chair

    Jacqui Allen

    Chairs the Research / Academic Committee, supporting research, academic activity, grants and educational initiatives in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and reporting to Council. Jacqui Allen also chairs the Linsell Richards Education Foundation (LREF), which supports education and research under the Society’s Constitution.

TEAC

  • Graeme Van Der Meer

    Chairperson

  • Northland Training Supervisor

    For current office-holder details, please contact NZSOHNS.

  • Co-opted officer

    For current role and office-holder details, please contact NZSOHNS.

  • Other Supervisor

    For current role and office-holder details, please contact NZSOHNS.

Linsell Richards Education Foundation (LREF)

The Linsell Richards Education Foundation supports education and research in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. NZSOHNS administers the Foundation under the Society’s Constitution. Jacqui Allen is the LREF Chair and also chairs the Society’s Academic Committee.

In memory of Linsell Richards

The Foundation commemorates Linsell Richards, a former Society President, Otolaryngology examiner, member of the RACS New Zealand Committee and New Zealand Director of Training in Otolaryngology. Following his death on 21 June 1986 while serving as President, a memorial collection established the fund to continue and develop academic work in the specialty.

Education, research and responsible stewardship

Foundation funds may support educational or research purposes within the specialty. Grant decisions must give due consideration to benefits for the Society’s membership. The Foundation Committee determines its processes and procedures with sustainability in mind.

LREF is administered through NZSOHNS and has no separate legal existence. Its funds are held in a separate identifiable account, distinct from membership subscriptions and the Society’s general administrative funds. The Constitution requires prudent financial management and investment in accordance with relevant legislation.

Funding and enquiries

The Foundation may receive gifts, donations and other contributions, which must be applied to its purposes. For current grant opportunities, application requirements or ways to support LREF, contact NZSOHNS and ask for the LREF Committee.

Read more about NZSOHNS charitable purposes and the Society’s Constitution.

Governance information checked against the approved Constitution, Foundation provisions on page 19, on 9 October 2026.

Foundation committee

  • Jacqui Allen

    LREF Chair

  • Michael Bergin

    Treasurer

  • Thomas Kuruvilla

    Secretary

  • Muralitharan Mahadevan

    President