Mr Merrick Sanderson, of Whangārei, MNZM, for services to orthopaedic surgery
Merrick Sanderson was one of two surgeons serving Northland from 1976 and had a key role in the Orthopaedic Department at Whangārei Base Hospital. He was a pioneer of arthroscopy in New Zealand. He campaigned for high standards in operating theatre conditions. He was involved in the development of Kensington Hospital to improve access for patients eligible for ACC treatment. He co-developed the Northland Orthopaedic Centre and later added the Day Surgical Centre. He chaired the Northland branches of the New Zealand Arthritis Foundation and the New Zealand Sports Medicine Foundation. He was President of the New Zealand Orthopaedic Association and Deputy Chair of the Northland District Health Board.