Peke Waihanga Leads Digital Innovation at AOPA Conference

A growing interest in digital workflows was evident at this year’s international conference. 

A team of staff presented the organisation’s leading approach to digital workflows in prosthetic and orthotic care – an area where many in the industry continue to face challenges.

“Our goal in attending was to understand where we sit internationally and where the industry’s interest lies,” said Charlotte Bunnett, Product Development and Commercialisation Team Lead. “What we found is there is a real appetite to adopt digital workflows, and people are eager to learn from what’s working here in Aotearoa.”

Charlotte Bunnett presenting at AOPA

Presentations demonstrated how digital approaches improve safety, consistency, and patient outcomes. Delegates responded with strong engagement and interest in training and collaboration opportunities.

Discussions also explored how the clinical role is evolving, with digital and technical skills seen as essential for keeping the profession relevant and future-focused.

A new connection was made with a Melbourne-based university, which plans to visit and learn more about silicone and 3D technologies. The university is interested in preparing students to use emerging materials with confidence.

While Peke Waihanga remains focused on supporting New Zealanders, international collaborations could create new revenue streams to reinvest in local services.

Peke Waihanga presenters were:

• Charlotte Bunnett – 3D Printed Socket 2.0, and HTV Silicone in Clinical Practice
• Monique Jackson – A Retrospective Review of the Efficacy of Mechanical Finger Prostheses
• Miranda Chapman – Incorporating a Fully Digital Workflow into Clinical Practice
• Sean Gray – The Impact of Pain on Orthotic and Prosthetic Service Users

“The interest we saw at AOPA this year shows that digital transformation is no longer viewed as a future concept – the industry is hungry for it now,” said Sean Gray, Chief Executive of Peke Waihanga, “and we are leading in this space.”