Forward-Thinking New Zealand General Surgeon & Medical Advisor
With over three decades of surgical experience, I specialise in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery. My focus is on delivering safe, effective treatment while helping patients recover faster and return to normal life sooner.
What Patients Say
About Me
Over 30 Years of Surgical Experience
I graduated from Auckland University in 1979 and completed my surgical training in Wellington. I then spent time in Britain from 1988 to 1991 undertaking post-fellowship training, specialising in endoscopic surgery.
Since returning to Wellington in 1991, I have been closely involved in the development of minimally invasive surgery. I was the first surgeon in Wellington to perform several laparoscopic procedures that are now standard practice, including appendicectomy and hernia repair. I also established the first private colonoscopy service in the region.
With over three decades of experience, I remain committed to techniques that reduce recovery time, minimise discomfort, and improve patient outcomes.
My primary place of work is Southern Cross Hospital in Wellington City, with clinics in Lower Hutt, Thorndon Quay, Porirua, the Kapiti Coast, and Upper Hutt.
Professional Memberships
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Member of the Association of General Surgeons
Specialised Surgical Procedures
I provide a range of advanced surgical procedures using modern minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, helping patients recover more quickly and safely.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder using small incisions, a camera, and specialised instruments, providing effective relief from gallbladder disease. I was one of the first surgeons to perform this procedure in New Zealand and have extensive experience in bile duct exploration, enabling stones to be removed from the common bile duct during the same operation, avoiding the need for a second ERCP procedure and its associated risks.
Hernia Repair
Hernia repair is a surgical procedure to correct a weakness in the abdominal wall, returning displaced tissue to its proper position and reinforcing the area to prevent recurrence and relieve discomfort. I was the first surgeon in Wellington to perform laparoscopic hernia surgery and routinely repair inguinal, femoral, incisional, and ventral hernias using minimally invasive techniques.
Colorectal Surgery
Colorectal surgery involves the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus, addressing disorders such as cancer, inflammatory disease, diverticulitis, and other bowel conditions. I perform laparoscopic colectomy, appendicectomy, and small bowel surgery, offering minimally invasive options where appropriate to support recovery and
outcomes.
Anorectal Surgery
Anorectal surgery involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the anus and rectum, including haemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, and other disorders causing pain, bleeding, or discomfort.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a flexible camera to examine the lining of the colon, helping detect polyps, inflammation, and early signs of colorectal disease. Polyps can be removed during the procedure, and I have extensive experience in advanced techniques for complex polyp removal.
Skin & Soft Tissue Surgery
Skin and soft tissue surgery involves the removal or treatment of lesions, cysts, lipomas, and other abnormalities affecting the skin and underlying tissues, using precise techniques to promote optimal healing and cosmetic outcomes.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder using small incisions, a camera, and specialised instruments, providing effective relief from gallbladder disease. I was one of the first surgeons to perform this procedure in New Zealand and have extensive experience in bile duct exploration, enabling stones to be removed from the common bile duct during the same operation, avoiding the need for a second ERCP procedure and its associated risks.
Hernia Repair
Hernia repair is a surgical procedure to correct a weakness in the abdominal wall, returning displaced tissue to its proper position and reinforcing the area to prevent recurrence and relieve discomfort. I was the first surgeon in
Wellington to perform laparoscopic hernia surgery and routinely repair inguinal, femoral, incisional, and ventral hernias using minimally invasive techniques.
Colorectal Surgery
Colorectal surgery involves the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus, addressing disorders such as cancer, inflammatory disease, diverticulitis, and other bowel conditions. I perform laparoscopic colectomy, appendicectomy, and small bowel surgery, offering minimally invasive options where appropriate to support recovery and
outcomes.
Anorectal Surgery
Anorectal surgery involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the anus and rectum, including haemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, and other disorders causing pain, bleeding, or discomfort.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a flexible camera to examine the lining of the colon, helping detect polyps, inflammation, and early signs of colorectal disease. Polyps can be removed during the procedure, and I have extensive experience in advanced techniques for complex polyp removal.
Skin & Soft Tissue Surgery
Skin and soft tissue surgery involves the removal or treatment of lesions, cysts, lipomas, and other abnormalities affecting the skin and underlying tissues, using precise techniques to promote optimal healing and cosmetic outcomes.
With over three decades of experience in laparoscopic and colorectal surgery, I am increasingly interested in supporting medical startups, particularly those focused on abdominal surgery and colon cancer. I welcome opportunities to advise on clinical strategy, product development, and real-world implementation, and can assist in navigating and integrating innovative technologies into the New Zealand and Australian healthcare markets.
I am happy to offer an initial discovery call, free of charge, to discuss newprojects and potential advisory involvement. Please book a call through my Calendly to arrange a suitable time.
Profile
GARY STONE
I graduated from Auckland University in 1979 and trained in Surgery in Wellington.
I was in Britain from 1988-1991 completing my post-fellowship training and specialising in endoscopic surgery.
I began my consultant practice in Wellington in 1991 and was the first surgeon in Wellington to perform the majority of the laparoscopic procedures performed today, including appendicectomy. I was also the first surgeon in Wellington to provide a private colonoscopy service.
I am a Fellow of Royal Australasian College Surgeons and I am a Member of Association of General Surgeons.
My primary place of work is Southern Cross hospital in Wellington City, and I have clinics in Porirua, Kapiti Coast and Upper Hutt.
What Patients Say
“You treated me kindly and courteously and I am so grateful”
“Thanks to you, I have the joy of life with my grandchild!”
“Thank you sincerely for the skilled and compassionate work you have done, which I appreciate so much”
“I value the quality of care in hospital and out that I received from you and your team. It is excellent”.
“Both my wife and I are forever grateful for all you have done for me”.
“Where others faltered, you gave my mum a second chance and a fantastic quality of life”
“Thank you for taking swift action by performing keyhole surgery to remove my gallbladder and gallstone. A week on, I am very comfortable and recuperating well”.
“Thank you for all the support you gave us”
“Thank you very much for your professional services for which I am most grateful”
Professional Surgical Care You Can Trust
If you would like to discuss treatment options or arrange a consultation, please get in touch.
Contact US
Southern Cross Specialist Centre
90 Hanson Street
Newtown
Ph 04 910 2178 (ext 2052)
Rutherford Clinic
Verve Building First Floor/2 Connolly Street, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 5010
04 903 2900
GARY