Disgraced former Timaru surgeon Samiuela Tonga has had to cease work after his practising certificate expired.

The Medical Council of New Zealand has confirmed Dr Tonga, who is employed by the Auckland District Health Board, will not return to work until his certificate is renewed.

Last November Dr Tonga was referred to the Medical Council of New Zealand after Auckland woman Diana Goodman laid a complaint against him six months earlier. Her complaint related to two separate post-operative appointments last year to discuss the results of two breast cancer operations.

She said during the consultations Dr Tonga was "patronising and dismissive".

Medical Council of New Zealand communications manager George Symmes said Dr Tonga is registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand, but does nothold a practising certificate and is therefore unable to practise medicine.

In 2005, the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal found Dr Tonga guilty of botching three operations in Timaru between 2001 and 2003. One patient died, and others were left with permanent injuries.

Dr Tonga was fined $20,000 and could work only under supervision.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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