A Maori man says a bone tissue transplant without his consent during wrist surgery - went against his cultural and religious beliefs

Open Justice reports the surgeon wasn't aware of the patient's ethnicity.

Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell says culturally safe care is fundamental to achieving positive health outcomes for Maori.

She's found the surgeon breached the Consumer Rights code - and recommended he apologise, and audit all similar procedures in the past year.

The surgeon has altered his practice to ensure he's aware of patients' cultural and religious beliefs.