The Gillies McIndoe Research Institute is being established by the Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Research Foundation (the Foundation), with the overall objective of conducting research into all areas of reconstructive plastic surgery for the purpose of directly or indirectly improving patients' quality of life.

The Foundation was established in 1998 as a charitable trust by a collective of leading plastic surgeons and other individuals who shared a vision for higher standards of treatment in reconstructive plastic surgery.

The Foundation's central purpose is to seek funds to support research into reconstructive plastic surgery. Successful research findings are needed to enhance to quality of life for a large number of people in New Zealand who require reconstructive plastic surgery.

The Foundation's vision is To establish a research institute occupying its own building, properly staffed by scientists and surgeons conducting research with an end product that enhances the lives of those afflicted by disfiguring and sometimes life threatening medical conditions.

The Objectives of the Foundation

• To formally establish the Research Institute with a board, trust deed and patron.

• To implement a membership programme to grow a constituency of support from plastic surgeons, their patients, others in the medical field, the business world and the public, Government and Government bodies, to help achieve fundraising targets. 

• To design and conduct a fundraising campaign to provide sufficient funds to cover the Foundation's share of the capital cost of establishment of the Institute.

• To raise and invest sufficient funds to ensure the income from interest shall cover the Foundation's share of the operating costs of the Institute.