About Osteopathy Research Connect - New Zealand
Osteopathy Research Connect - New Zealand (ORC-NZ) was established in 2019.
ORC-NZ is a practice-based research network (PBRN) exclusively focused on osteopathy-related issues.
In 2024, in partnership with ONZ, ORC-NZ established a national research initiative: The Osteopathic Health System Research Programme.
The aim of the Osteopathic Health System Research Programme is to:
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Building research capacity within the osteopathic profession in Aotearoa.
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Promoting evidence-based practice to enhance professional credibility and patient outcomes.
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Facilitating collaboration between practitioners, academics, students, and external research bodies.
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Aligning research efforts with ONZ’s strategic pou (e.g. professional recognition, healthcare integration, cultural responsiveness).
This research programme ensures that osteopathic research in New Zealand is relevant, inclusive, and has a practical impact on the profession’s future.
ORC-NZ Stakeholders
ORC-NZ brings together key organisations, including:
- Osteopaths New Zealand
- Osteopathic Council of New Zealand
- Educational institutions offering osteopathy programs
- Māori health organisations
- Allied health professional bodies
- International research bodies
ORC-NZ is funded by ONZ members
ORC-NZ: Research Consultation Committee
All research projects being run within the Osteopathic Health System Research Programme have been discussed by our research consultation committee.
Research Consultation CommitteeORC-NZ: Current Osteopathic Research
ORC-NZ: Meet the Researchers
Chair ORC-NZ
Kesh brings over 20 years of academic, clinical, and research leadership in physiotherapy and osteopathy. He is the current Research Chair for the osteopathic profession in New Zealand and Co-Chair of the Osteopathic Research Alliance (Australia). His research spans manual therapy, pain science, virtual reality in education, and culturally responsive care. Kesh is passionate about building a vibrant research culture to strengthen the future of osteopathy.
ORC-NZ Member
I deeply believe in the value research brings to our profession. My role is to bridge the realities of clinical osteopathy with the expertise of our research leaders. By aligning practice with evidence, we can lead meaningful projects that ensure our profession remains strong, relevant, and future-focused. If you have any capacity to help with this direction, do get in touch
Join the research team
If you would like to be involved in our current projects.
Contact Kesh - Chair ORC - NZ
ORC-NZ: Strategy
To develop a culture of research within the New Zealand osteopathic profession by:
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Reviewing and mapping osteopathy’s position within the NZ health system
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Identifying and facilitating the uptake of relevant research
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Ensuring research is recognised as a strategic priority within the profession
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Enabling osteopaths to lead and participate in their own research
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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.
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Strategic Leadership & Collaboration: Strengthen connections with national and international research networks
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Engagement & Education: Promote research literacy and confidence among osteopaths
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Communication: Share findings, priorities, and opportunities transparently and accessibly
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Development: Support osteopaths at all stages of their research journey
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Sustainability: Embed research into the fabric of the profession for long-term impact