ORC - NZ
ORC-NZ stands for the Osteopathic Research Committee – New Zealand. It exists to support and guide osteopathic research nationally, with the aim of:
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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 committee ensures that osteopathic research in New Zealand is relevant, inclusive, and has a practical impact on the profession’s future.
About your research team
The Research Consultation Committee is a group of osteopaths committed to strengthening the evidence base for osteopathy in Aotearoa. These individuals volunteer their time and expertise to guide, support, and promote research that enhances practice, informs policy, and ultimately improves patient outcomes. Their collective experience spans academic research, clinical practice, governance, and professional mentorship.
We are currently seeking a representative to bring Te Ao Māori perspectives into the research kōrero. If you are passionate about advancing osteopathic research grounded in mātauranga Māori, we warmly welcome your voice at the table.
Meet your research consultation commitee
Anj Young - Chair - Osteopaths New Zealand
I'm not a researcher, but 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.
Dr Kesava Sampath - Chair - Research Consultation Committee
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.
Anne-Lise Girardin
Anne‑Lise is a Senior Academic Staff member at Ara Institute of Canterbury, lecturing and supervising within the osteopathy programmes. As an experienced osteopath and clinic supervisor, she supports students in both classroom and clinical settings. She also serves as a Co‑Programme Leader for Ara’s postgraduate osteopathy diploma, helping shape the next generation of practitioners
Holly Royal
Holly is a practising osteopath with 15 years of experience and a strong belief in evidence-informed practice. A former clinic owner and CAPP preceptor, she has served on the OCNZ disciplinary board and founded a regional peer group to foster professional connections. Holly is committed to making osteopathic research accessible, relevant, and inspiring for clinicians across Aotearoa.
Amanda Viedma-Dodd
Amanda is an experienced osteopath with a Master’s in Osteopathy from Unitec and nearly two decades of clinical practice experience. She is the principal osteopath at Barrington Osteopathic Clinic and has a strong interest in women’s pelvic health, chronic pain, and interprofessional collaboration. Amanda is also a clinical tutor at Ara Institute of Canterbury and offers professional supervision through her initiative, Articulate. She brings a grounded, practitioner-focused lens to research and is passionate about connecting evidence with the realities of clinical care.
Vai Asoumua
Vai (Vaito) is a clinician and previous educator with a strong foundation in musculoskeletal health and osteopathy. Recognised as Aotearoa’s inaugural Emerging Practitioner by Osteopaths New Zealand, Vai brings a commitment to improving health outcomes, especially for Pasifika communities and enriching research that connects clinical practice with cultural responsiveness.
We seek a representative to bring Te Ao Māori perspectives into the research kōrero. If you are passionate about advancing osteopathic research grounded in mātauranga Māori, we warmly welcome your voice at the table.
Our stakeholders
ORC-NZ brings together key organizations, 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
Osteopaths New Zealand