Meet the team
The strength of a team, focused on you
At many clinics, your entire surgical journey hinges on the availability of their one surgeon. But what happens if the surgeon is away, unwell, or unavailable when you need them most?
That’s why we have four skilled surgeons (supported by a nurse practitioner, dietitians and clinical office team) who focus on weight loss, gallbladder, laparoscopic and open surgery. Together, we’ve performed more than 5,000 successful operations. We share knowledge, consult on cases, and support each other to ensure your journey is always guided by best-practice decisions made by our team, not just one opinion.
Auckland Surgical Group is the new name for Auckland Weight Loss Surgery, and now brings together three specialist practices under one umbrella: Auckland Weight Loss Surgery, Auckland Gallbladder Surgery, and Auckland Laparoscopic Surgery. This expanded focus allows us to provide a broader range of surgical expertise while continuing our dedication to patient-centred care.
We understand how important it is to build trust with your surgeon and your relationship with your surgeon will always be a priority. However, should you ever need immediate support and they’re not available, another surgeon will be there to look after you, already informed and able to keep your care moving without interruption.
You’ll benefit from:
- The reassurance of multiple expert minds reviewing your case
- No disruption if your surgeon is unavailable
- Shorter wait times and easier scheduling
- Continuity of care through every step of your journey
Of course, our team is more than just the four surgeons. From your very first contact with us, you’ll be supported by a wider group of caring professionals, including specialist dietitians, health psychologists, a nurse practitioner and our clinical office team, all working together to give you the best care before, during, and after your surgery.
We also understand the importance of cultural values and family support. We welcome whānau and extended family to be involved, visit, and even stay if appropriate, and we always aim to respect cultural preferences throughout your care.
We believe better outcomes start with better teamwork, and that’s the kind of care you’ll find here every day.
Meet the team who’ll walk beside you
Our people are the reason so many patients recommend us.
We take the time to listen, to explain, and to make sure you always feel informed and in control. These are the faces behind the care, people who are here to help you feel comfortable, confident, and well supported every step of the way.
Want to know more about our team? Just click on a photo to read each person’s bio.
Contact us on 09 522 4103 or via the Contact page
Research interests include improvements in diabetes control and quality of life after weight loss surgery.
As well as his private practice, Richard works as a general, upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon at Counties Manukau District Health Board. His interests include laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, roux-en-y gastric bypass and revision of complicated band surgery.
Currently he is involved in research on enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery and the effect of bariatric surgery on diabetes.
Nicholas is an Upper GI and Bariatric surgeon who works in both private and public practice at Auckland Hospital. He completed a thesis in paediatric surgery in the Netherlands and London before completing ANZGOSA (Australia and New Zealand Gastro Oesophageal Surgery Association) and OSSANZ (Obesity Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand) accredited post fellowship training programmes in Upper GI and bariatric surgery.
He offers a wide range of bariatric procedures (including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, one anastomosis gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy), anti-reflux surgery, gallbladder surgery, and hernia surgery. He has a particular clinical interest in minimally invasive surgery for oesophageal and gastric cancer, and has successfully implemented a minimally invasive oesophagectomy programme at Auckland Hospital.
Angela Bayly is a General, Upper GI & Bariatric surgeon. She performs surgery for weight loss including roux-en-y gastric bypass, single anastomosis gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, as well as laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, gallbladder and hernia surgery.
Angela trained in New Zealand before heading to Sydney to St George Private Hospital, recognised as the highest volume bariatric surgical centre in Australia and the country’s first internationally accredited Centre of Bariatric Excellence.
She brings a minimally invasive approach to the management of oesophago-gastric cancer and is part of the oesophagectomy team at Te Toka Tumai Auckland Hospital. Angela has a research interest in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.
Craig practiced anaesthesia in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia before establishing his practice in Auckland in 2001. He works in public practice at Middlemore Hospital where his special interests are anaesthesia for difficult airways, trauma, obstetrics, paediatrics and obesity surgery. He is actively involved in teaching and research. His private practice includes obesity surgery, orthopaedic surgery and maxillofacial surgery.
Craig is a graduate of the University of Cape Town.
Ivan works in both private and public practice as a specialist consultant at Auckland City Hospital. His special anaesthetic interests are general and liver surgery including laparoscopy, orthopaedics and major abdominal surgery. His other interests include research and coagulation.
Tim is a Specialist Anaesthetist working in private practice and as a Consultant in public practice at Auckland City Hospital. He has a specific interest in bariatric surgery and in the perioperative assessment of patients having oesophageal surgery. Tim is actively involved in Upper GI perioperative audit and in training future anaesthetists in the public system.
Yvonne Morgan began her nursing career in the UK, training in Bury St Edmunds in 1991 before moving into operating theatres in 1994. After time working in London, she relocated to Auckland in 1998, where she has since built a career combining advanced surgical assistance, teaching, and clinical practice.
In 2003, Yvonne trained as a Registered Nurse First Surgical Assistant (RNFSA) and went on to introduce RNFSA training to New Zealand in 2010. She continues to coordinate this national postgraduate programme. Since 2006, she has worked closely with bariatric, upper GI, and colorectal surgeons, with many years spent in the operating room as a senior RNFSA.
In December 2024, Yvonne advanced her scope of practice, becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She now leads the non-surgical arm of Auckland Weight Loss Surgery, focusing on medical weight management, obesity pharmacotherapy, and menopause-related weight concerns. In this role she combines prescribing expertise with patient-centred care, working closely with dietitians, psychologists, and surgeons to support long-term health and wellbeing.
Yvonne is known for her supportive and approachable style. She provides both education and follow-up care, helping patients explore surgical and non-surgical options and guiding them towards safe, sustainable outcomes.
Cindy is a Health Psychologist who is registered with the NZ Psychologists Board. She has worked with people having bariatric surgery for over ten years. Cindy is committed to providing a collaborative approach to helping people prepare for surgery, identify the behavioural changes they can make that will improve their outcomes after surgery, and develop strategies to make these changes.
Cindy has also worked in a variety of both primary care and in hospital settings, helping people to cope with physical and psychological health challenges. She uses a range of evidence-based interventions from therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment therapy, and mindful self-compassion.
Mel has worked in a range of health settings including hospitals and primary care, helping people with significant physical health challenges flourish and thrive. She is passionate about ensuring any changes to behaviour and wellbeing are sustainable for the long haul, whether it’s making the best individual plans and preparations with the healthcare team or effectively recruiting support from whanau and community.
Katie is a Scottish dietitian who graduated from The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen in 1997. With over 25 years of experience in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and overseas, she specialises in surgical dietetics and has focused on bariatrics since 2008. She began her career with the NHS before immigrating to New Zealand in 2003, where she worked for Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau. In 2010, she relocated to Southeast Asia with her family and established a private practice. She returned to New Zealand in 2015 to join Allevia Hospitals (formerly MercyAscot).
As Charge Dietitian Manager at Allevia Hospital, Katie provides dietetic support for Auckland Weight Loss Surgery patients and works closely with individuals undergoing surgery at Allevia Hospital, ensuring their nutritional needs are met before and after their procedures. Her areas of interest include working with younger people, as well as supporting women through midlife changes.
Katie is a member of Dietitians NZ (DNZ), ANZMOSS, and IFSO. She has served as a past ANZMOSS board member, a previous Dietitians NZ Bariatric Special Interest Group convenor, and is a current member of the IFSO Education and Training Committee.
Olivia is a New Zealand-trained dietitian who completed her Master’s degree in Dietetics at the University of Otago. She began her career in the Hutt Valley, supporting patients with chronic health conditions, before relocating to Auckland to work across both community and hospital settings. Olivia specialises in metabolic bariatric surgery and has worked in this field at Te Whatu Ora Auckland and Whittington Health NHS Trust in London, before joining the team at Auckland Weight Loss Surgery. Her areas of interest include fostering a healthy relationship with food and self, gastrointestinal health, and the management of nutritional deficiencies following metabolic bariatric surgery.
Olivia is employed by Allevia Hospitals and provides dietetic support for Auckland Weight Loss Surgery patients.
Olivia is a past co-convenor of the Dietitians NZ Bariatric Special Interest Group and a current member of Dietitians NZ, ANZMOSS, and IFSO.
Danika is a South African-born dietitian who graduated from Massey University with her Masters. She has worked for Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau and Waitematā and has experience managing chronic renal conditions, weight management, and bariatric surgery. Alongside her role at Allevia and AWLS, Danika is currently undertaking a part-time PhD whilst supporting the dietetics programme at Massey University. She is passionate about providing evidence-based care to help patients achieve their health goals through sustainable and practical lifestyle changes.
Danika is employed by Allevia Hospitals and provides dietetic support for Auckland Weight Loss Surgery patients.
Danika is a member of ANZMOSS, IFSO, and the Dietitians NZ Bariatric special interest group.
Caryne is an English dietitian, graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University. She worked for the NHS in Yorkshire where she began her career in the speciality of metabolic bariatric surgery. She relocated to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2012, working at Te Whatu Ora Waitematā leading the bariatric dietetic service until joining the team at Auckland Weight Loss Surgery in 2023. She is passionate about empowering patients to succeed long term with their surgery goals.
Caryne is employed by Allevia Hospitals and provides dietetic support for Auckland Weight Loss Surgery patients.
Caryne is the current co-convenor of the Dietitian NZ Bariatric Special Interest Group, an active member of Dietitians NZ, ANZMOSS and IFSO.
Surgery is just the beginning. A better lifestyle is what follows.
