Building a stronger evidence base for osteopathy in Aotearoa -
led from within our profession.
Osteopathy in Aotearoa New Zealand deserves a strong evidence base - one that
reflects how we actually practice, the patients we see, and the outcomes we achieve.
ONZ is committed to building that foundation.
Our research programme works across three areas: studies led by ONZ,
research open for member participation, and a mentorship programme developing the
next generation of osteopath-researchers.
In 2024, Osteopaths New Zealand supported the establishment of the Osteopathic Health System Research Programme - a national initiative designed to ensure that osteopathic research in Aotearoa New Zealand and ensure it is relevant, inclusive, profession-led, and practically useful.
The programme is built around four core aims:
This programme reflects recent collaborative work to develop a more strategic and sustainable research direction for osteopathy in New Zealand.
ONZ has previously suppoprted osteopathy research capacity-building, including funding Osteopathy Research Connect New Zealand (ORC-NZ) in 2018.
ORC-NZ brings together key organisations, including:
This is not a one-off project. It is a long-term commitment to building research
capability and leadership from within our own profession - here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
For the first time, we now have a formal structure to grow research from within the profession. This
initiative directly reflects ONZ's commitment to strengthening and promoting a research culture
in osteopathic medicine. It strengthens our collective voice with ACC, regulators, and the wider health
sector. It builds New Zealand-led evidence that supports confident, evidence-informed practice. And it
develops future research leaders from within our own membership.
ONZ is investing in research that puts real data behind the value of osteopathic care - for ACC, for government, and for the future of our profession. All current research projects have been endorsed by the ONZ Research Consultation Committee (RCC).
ACC funds more than 100,000 osteopathy claims each year, making it the single largest funder of osteopathic care in New Zealand. This project analyses ACC data to better understand the economics of osteopathic practice in Aotearoa - including claim volumes, conditions treated, treatment duration, and cost patterns across the profession.
Understanding this data is essential for making the case for osteopathy's value within the health system, and for informing future conversations with ACC about funding, access, and investment.
Patient Reported Outcome Measures - known as PROMs - are standardised tools that capture how patients feel about their own health, function, and recovery. This pilot study is exploring how PROMs can be integrated into everyday osteopathic practice in New Zealand.
This work matters because ACC has already signalled interest in developing outcome measures that capture patient experience more meaningfully. Osteopaths who use PROMs consistently in practice are contributing directly to the evidence base that will inform how ACC understands and values osteopathic care.
Every research project within ONZ/ORC-NZ programme is
reviewed and endorsed by the Research Consultation Committee
(RCC) before proceeding. The RCC brings together osteopaths,
academics, and sector representatives to ensure all research is
rigorous, ethical, and directly relevant to practice in Aotearoa.
All research projects being run within the Osteopathic Health
System Research Programme have been discussed and approved
by our research consultation committee - giving members
confidence that the work reflects the profession's values and
priorities.
ONZ has officially launced its structured Research Mentorship Pathway - the first formal structure of its kind for the osteopathic profession of New Zealand.
Following a strong response to our Expression of Interest call in 2026, we are proud to announce the two practitioners selected for this year's inaugural cohort.
The pathway is led by Associate Professor Dr Kesh Sampath, whose depth of knowledge and commitment to strengthening osteopathic research capacity in New Zealand make him an exceptional mentor for this work.
The programme focuses on:
These projects are currently underway. We look forward to sharing updates from the cohort throughout 2026. Further rounds are already being planned for future years.
Have you always wanted to conduct your own research but are not sure where to begin? The ONZ Structured Mentorship Pathway offers the guidance, structure, and support you need - working one-to-one and in small groups with Dr Kesh Sampath.
You will follow your own interests and develop real outputs, including literature reviews and case series suitable for publication in academic journals. This is not a competitive application - the Expression of Interest simply helps us understand your experience and preferred areas of support.
You do not have to be a full-time academic to make a difference. Whether you are a busy clinician, a student, a new graduate, or a clinic owner, there is a place for you in this work.
Are you part of a clinic or osteopathy-related business that wants to engage with ONZ's research mission? There are more ways to contribute than you might think — from data gathering in collaboration with other clinics, to conducting a small study, to disseminating relevant research findings within your team.
If your clinic or business is keen to explore what a partnership could look like, we want to hear from you.
Get in touch: research@osteopathsnz.co.nz
Have you wanted to contribute to evidence-based practice conversations without taking on a full research project? If you can write a research paper appraisal or produce an infographic summarising key findings, you can contribute right now - and your work may end up informing the learning of practitioners across the country.
This is a CPD opportunity with real impact.
Get in touch: research@osteopathsnz.co.nz
Dr Kesh Sampath is an experienced academic researcher and the lead mentor for ONZ's Research Mentorship Pathway. His work focuses on musculoskeletal health, osteopathic research, and building research capacity within the allied health professions in New Zealand and internationally.
He brings both the technical expertise and the practical understanding of clinical realities to make this programme genuinely accessible for practitioners at any stage of their research journey.
Chair, ORC-NZ
To develop a culture of research within the New Zealand osteopathic profession by:
Reviewing and mapping osteopathy’s position within the NZ health system
Identifying and facilitating the uptake of relevant research
Ensuring research is recognised as a strategic priority within the profession
Enabling osteopaths to lead and participate in their own research
Engaging clinicians to co-create research questions that are patient- and clinician-centred
To develop the capacity of the osteopathic profession to engage with, conduct, and apply research - thereby enhancing patient care and professional practice.
Strategic Leadership & Collaboration: Strengthen connections with national and international research networks
Engagement & Education: Promote research literacy and confidence among osteopaths
Communication: Share findings, priorities, and opportunities transparently and accessibly
Development: Support osteopaths at all stages of their research journey
Sustainability: Embed research into the fabric of the profession for long-term impact
However you want to contribute - as a clinician, a student, a clinic owner, or a business - there is a pathway for you.
Register your interest in the Mentorship Pathway: Complete the Expression of Interest form
Enquire about clinic or business partnerships: Email us at research@osteopathsnz.co.nz
Stay informed: Not ready to commit yet but want to follow along? Make sure you are subscribed to ONZ member communications so you receive updates from the mentorship cohort and news on future rounds.
Representing Osteopaths in
Aotearoa, New Zealand
Tel 09 419 0450
Email info@osteopathsnz.co.nz
Address PO Box 65503
Browns Bay
Auckland 0754, New Zealand
