Dr John Ferguson
Spinal Surgeon · Founder
15+ years and 2,000+ spine surgeries, specialising in minimally invasive and non-fusion techniques. MBChB, FRACS (Ortho).
Request a consultation
Private spinal surgery · Auckland, New Zealand
Minimally invasive
spinal surgery,
built around you.
Led by Dr John Ferguson, FRACS, The Private Clinic delivers cervical, lumbar and scoliosis surgery using the latest minimally invasive techniques — so recovery can be quicker and more manageable. Nothing matters more than your care and comfort.
New patients need a referral from a GP, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor before booking.
2,000+
successful spine surgeries performed by Dr Ferguson
15+
years of dedicated spinal care
FRACS
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
NZMC
New Zealand Medical Council registered
1st
PTP spine surgery performed outside the US
Our approach
The doctor's office you actually want to visit.
Established by pioneering surgeons, The Private Clinic delivers minimally invasive procedures using the latest technology and techniques.
The best medical experts know that treating the physical is only one part of the healing process. That's why, at The Private Clinic, we care for the mind and spirit too. Our exceptional medical experts are at the top of their respective fields, and are all dedicated to ensuring you get the best care and attention through your healing journey.
Our beautifully designed clinic combines the best of both modernity and functionality. With the right mix of professional and personal care, spinal surgery can be non-invasive, and recovery can be quick and easily manageable.
Minimally invasive
Techniques designed to reduce trauma and support a quicker recovery.
Whole-person care
We care for the mind and spirit alongside the physical healing.
World-class expertise
Experts at the top of their fields, dedicated to your outcome.
Spinal care
Surgery across three areas of the spine.
The Spinal Clinic provides surgical care for the neck, lower back and spinal deformity. Each procedure is selected to fit your diagnosis and your life — and explained clearly, before you decide anything.
01
Neck
Cervical
Surgery for the neck region of the spine, focused on relieving pressure and restoring stability and motion.
- ›Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion
- ›Cervical disc arthroplasty (disc replacement)
02
Lower back
Lumbar
A full range of procedures for the lower back — from decompression to fusion and motion-preserving disc replacement.
- ›Lumbar laminectomy
- ›Lumbar microdiscectomy
- ›Lumbar spinal fusion
- ›Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
- ›Minimally invasive anterior lumbar interbody fusion (Mini ALIF)
- ›Lumbar disc replacement
- ›DLIF / XLIF (direct lateral approach)
- ›Prone Transpsoas (PTP) surgery
03
Deformity
Scoliosis
Correction of spinal deformity, including advanced growth-friendly and motion-preserving techniques for younger patients.
- ›Posterior approach correction
- ›Anterior approach correction
- ›Anterior–posterior approach correction
- ›MAGEC magnetically lengthening growing rod
- ›Anterior vertebral tethering (AVT)
IN DEVELOPMENT
Endoscopic spine surgery is currently in development at the clinic — part of Dr Ferguson's ongoing commitment to bringing the latest minimally invasive techniques to New Zealand patients.
Your surgeon
Dr John Ferguson
Spinal Surgeon · Founder
For over 15 years, Dr Ferguson has dedicated himself to delivering the highest standard of spinal care to patients throughout New Zealand. He has completed over 2,000 successful spine surgeries, specialising in minimally invasive spinal surgery and non-fusion techniques.
He introduced the direct lateral approach (DLIF/XLIF) and the MAGEC rod to Australasia, and performed the first anterior thoracoscopic tethers (AVT) for idiopathic scoliosis in Australasia. He recently completed the first Prone Transpsoas (PTP) surgery outside of the United States.
Qualifications
- MBChB — Auckland, 1995
- FRACS (Orthopaedic) — 2004
- ECFMG certified — 2004
Registrations & memberships
- New Zealand Medical Council (NZMC)
- Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
- Scoliosis Research Society
- Spinal Arthroplasty Society
- Visiting rights — Mercy Ascot
Fellowship training
Dr Oheneba Boachie-Adjei — Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
Dr John Smith — University of Utah
Dr Thomas Lowe — The Woodridge Spine Center, Denver
Dr Lawrence Lenke — Washington University, St. Louis
Conditions we treat
Understanding what's behind your pain.
A clear diagnosis is the first step. Dr Ferguson assesses and treats a range of spinal conditions — here are some of the most common.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age- or wear-related breakdown of the spinal discs (DDD), a common source of chronic back and neck pain.
Herniated Discs
When disc material presses on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness or weakness in the limbs.
Osteoporosis
Weakening of the bones that can increase the risk of spinal fractures and deformity over time.
Spondylolisthesis
When one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, which can compress the spinal nerves.
Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that places pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Spinal Fractures
Breaks in the vertebrae from trauma or weakened bone, sometimes requiring surgical stabilisation.
Meet the team
The people beside you, start to finish.
From your first enquiry to your full recovery, a small, dedicated team supports you at every step.
Bridget
Practice Manager
Bridget ensures every patient receives the highest quality of care with clear-cut communication — supporting you from the first enquiry right through to complete recovery.
Get in touch
Anna
Surgery Coordinator
Anna works alongside Dr Ferguson to plan and schedule surgeries, creating a seamless plan throughout your journey from consultation to recovery.
Get in touchFor patients
Know what to expect, every step.
Clear information helps you feel prepared and in control. Explore our guidance on surgery, recovery and the language of the spine.
Preparing for surgery
The goals of spinal surgery — decompression, removing abnormal motion and realignment — plus the steps to prepare and answers to common questions.
Recovery information
Post-operative guidance to help you optimise your healing process and get the most from your recovery.
Spinal anatomy & glossary
A plain-language guide to the anatomy of the spine and the terms you'll hear during your care.
Conditions library
Detailed information on common spinal conditions — from degenerative disc disease to stenosis and spinal fractures.
COMING SOON
The Skin Clinic is on its way. Details will be published here once available.
Request an appointment
How booking works.
Appointments with Dr Ferguson are by referral. Here's the simple path from first contact to your consultation.
-
1
Get a referral
New patients need a referral from a GP, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor before an appointment can be made.
-
2
Send us your details
Complete the request form, or call the clinic. We'll collect what we need to schedule your follow-up.
-
3
We arrange your consultation
Our team will be in touch to confirm a time and guide you through what comes next.
Referring clinicians: please use EDI johnferg when sending referrals to The Private Clinic.
Request form
Tell us a little about yourself and our team will follow up to arrange your appointment.
Visit & contact
We're here to help.
Have a question? Get in touch with the team — they're ready to help in a timely, considered way.
- Phone
- 09 475 6333
- Email the clinic
- Office hours
- Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm
- For referring clinicians
- EDI: johnferg
The Private Clinic is based in Auckland, New Zealand. A specific clinic address is confirmed when your appointment is arranged. Open in Google Maps