Source: The Health Media
The winners of the 2025 New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora were announced last night at glitzy, black-tie Gala dinner at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland (Saturday, 6 September).
The prestigious awards were hosted by The Health Media Ltd, proud publisher of New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa and Pharmacy Today | Kaitiaki Rongoā O Te Wā.
After a four-year hiatus, the awards returned to once again recognise excellence in primary healthcare and celebrate the ground-breaking work being carried out in the sector across Aotearoa.
Launched in 2020 and last held in 2021, the awards were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive burden placed on the under-resourced primary healthcare sector. But, despite the odds, the awards made a comeback this year attracting over 150 entries, with 45 finalists chosen for 22 award categories and one overall supreme winner.
A common theme of the winners’ work was innovation in the face of failing traditional models of care. Entrants demonstrated that the drive and determination to work collaboratively across disciplines can smash barriers to access and improve lives, especially for disadvantaged groups.
Winning entries included mobile health services, a workplace injury response scheme, kaupapa Māori services, comprehensive primary care teams, mental health and addiction services, school-based health teams and medicines safety.
ProPharma Supreme Award
The ProPharma Supreme Award winner, chosen from the category winners, went to South Auckland’s tenacious general manager Total Healthcare PHO, Kate Moodabe.
Ms Moodabe’s ground-breaking, equity-driven mahi lead to the national introduction of HPV self-testing to reduce cervical cancer deaths. Equally transformative is her partnership with Dave Letele’s BBM Motivation to introduce point-of-care testing in gyms to boost health screening and support for people who would never ordinarily have or visit a GP.
Ms Moodabe was overwhelmed and humbled when the award was announced, saying later she was already reeling from having received the CareHQ Outstanding Contribution to Health Award and was “a little lost for words”. She gave thanks to all her colleagues saying, “It’s not just me, I am only one person.”
Her youngest son, Zac, had made a last-minute decision to drive up from Palmerston North with his fiancée for the Gala night, thinking that “I might be disappointed” she said.
In addition to her work on HPV and with BBM Motivation, Ms Moodabe says she was extremely proud of work done while she was at ProCare in getting primary care services into three rural marae. Asked what she would like to do next in primary care, she says focussing on closer working relationships with social services.
The Health Media managing editor Barbara Fountain, who co-founded the awards in 2020, says the finalists show what primary care can achieve even as the funding odds are often stacked against it.
Politics sees all eyes on public hospitals while most healthcare activity takes place in the primary care sector, Ms Fountain says.
And, despite the huge stresses created by the health reforms, primary care continues to aim high, she says. “To understand the passion in this sector, shift through the judges’ comments on the winning entries where you will find the following words and phrases “deeply collaborative, practical, creative, equity driven, co-designed, customer loyalty, scalable, breaking down barriers, improving access, great leadership, magic factor, abundance of energy and ‘you have made a difference’.”
In her welcome speech, Ms Fountain spoke to the challenges created by the Government’s policy shift away from including ethnicity as a determinant of healthcare need.
“There can be no elephant in this room – these awards are about acknowledging people in primary care working to find new ways to achieve equity in health outcomes for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. An all-of-government policy which dismisses the part ethnicity plays in all avenues of life, and diminishes the importance of partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, is anathema to those health outcome goals.”
Commenting on the value of the awards, The Health Media director Grant Bai says:
“Technology will help augment the health system, but great healthcare is – and always will be – delivered by people. People are our greatest and most irreplaceable strength, the heart of this industry and the reason we celebrate the New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards.
“These awards recognise the outstanding work our primary healthcare professionals do to improve lives, enhance services and ensure every New Zealander has access to the care they deserve. Whether skills lie in medicine, pharmacy, nursing or allied health, our primary healthcare teams share one unifying purpose: to care for others. That shared commitment drives us forward and will define the future of health in New Zealand.
“The awards also acknowledge the crucial, non-replicable role primary care professionals play in delivering innovative services and building enduring relationships with patients.
“I offer my thanks to everyone who entered – the quality, creativity and dedication of their mahi was truly inspiring – and to the many industry partners and sponsors whose support makes these awards possible.”
About The Health MediaThe Health Media publishes New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa, Pharmacy Today | Kaitiaki Rongoā o te Wā, the Healthcare Handbook and Everybody Patient Information Sheets. It also provides accredited continuing professional development services for primary healthcare professionals and hosts the annual New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora.
About the New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri OraThe New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora showcase and celebrate excellence in primary healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. The awards were launched in 2020 and held again in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic and the huge burden placed on the sector saw the awards put on hold until 2025. This year’s awards, more than ever, are a testament to the determination, collaboration and creativity of the tireless champions of primary healthcare around the motu.
ProPharma Supreme Award (winner of the winners)
Kate Moodabe, Total Healthcare Charitable Trust, Auckland
TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES (alphabetically by region)
CareHQ Outstanding Contribution to Health
Kate Moodabe, Total Healthcare Charitable Trust
Trailblazer Kate Moodabe has successfully advocated for the national introduction of HPV self-testing to reduce cervical cancer deaths and partnered with BBM Motivation to introduce GP clinics in gyms to boost health screening and support. Judge’s comment: “Remarkable, and measurable, outcomes from major changes that make access easier and also involving the community – taking services to the community by collaborating outside the medical model. An abundance of energy, determination and leadership required to implement and make these important changes successful.”
Medtech General Practitioner of the Year
Glenn Doherty, Tongan Health Society Inc
Glenn Doherty’s four-decade career is defined by an unwavering commitment to equity, holistic care and sustainable change for some of New Zealand’s at-risk communities. Through his leadership, he unites community members, health professionals and policymakers to ensure healthcare strategies meet Pacific needs. Nationally recognised for his service and vision, Dr Doherty inspires others and continues to set new standards of excellence in primary healthcare. Judge’s comment: “A trusted and valued leader who walks alongside Pacific communities, championing health equity and access with compassion and integrity.”
Boehringer Ingelheim Nurse Practitioner of the Year
Rebecca Fenn, Te Iti Pounamu Hauora
Rebecca Fenn co-founded Te Iti Pounamu Hauora, a mobile health service providing free, culturally responsive care in South Auckland. The service reaches vulnerable people often excluded from traditional health systems. With a focus on access, dignity and connection, Mrs Fenn’s leadership has transformed community trust in healthcare and inspired future health professionals, proving the power of nurse practitioner-led innovation in primary care. Judge’s comment: “Truely inspirational mahi. Breaking down the barriers one person at a time, giving them what they need in terms of health, in a place where they are comfortable.”
reCare Community or Primary Healthcare Pharmacist of the Year
Emma Griffiths, ProCare Network
Emma Griffiths has played a leading role in a landmark shift for the pharmacy workforce, helping bring clinical pharmacists into general practice across Tāmaki Makaurau. This was the region’s first large-scale roll out of this model for. Judge’s comment: “This entry is such a breath of fresh air, demonstrating the impact Emma, as a pharmacist through well considered action plans and systems, can have in championing and supporting the role of fellow pharmacists to work in collaboration with the wider team of healthcare providers for the benefit of improved patient outcomes.”
reCare Community Pharmacy Technician of the Year
Palki Kaur Patpatia, Pharmacy Care Group
Palki Kaur takes great pride in her work to ensure patient safety. Among the innovative services Miss Kaur has introduced to her workplace is a medication packing and reminder service to ensure patients have timely access to medication. Miss Kaur says her work during COVID-19 highlights the importance of giving back to the community. Judge’s comment: “Overall, your application powerfully demonstrates the magic factor, blending innovation, compassion and leadership to create meaningful impact. Well done and thank you for the meaningful contribution you make to both your pharmacy and your local community.”
Medical Protection Practice/Business Manager of the Year
Yammi Lam, Four Kauri Family Medical Centre
Practice manager Yammi Lam championed a series of transformative initiatives at Four Kauri Family Medical Centre in Mt Albert. She introduced health improvement practitioner and health coach roles, delivering immediate mental health and behavioural support for patients. She secured priority access to MSD support, while promoting Awhi Ora and Flexifund training. Judge’s comment: “Great initiative that targeted a very marginalised cohort of patients – normalising it! Great work with the service design, driving collaboration internally and externally, it is a holistic and cross-agency solution and it improved access. Great leadership!”
GenPro General Practice of the Year
Manu Ora is the only kaupapa Māori general practice in the upper South Island. Established as a charitable trust, it serves Māori, Pasifika, immigrants and patients with complex needs who often struggle to access care elsewhere. The team delivers extended consultations, wraparound support and outreach to reduce barriers and improve equity. Their pan-iwi governance and strong community partnerships underpin a multidisciplinary, patient-centred approach that is improving outcomes and easing pressure on emergency services. Judge’s comment: “This entrant stood out for a service that has been designed with focus on kaupapa Māori, pan-iwi governance, community connection, multidisciplinary comprehensive approach with focus on continuity and impact on both patients and the system. Outstanding.”
Pharmacy Guild Community Pharmacy of the Year
Vivian Pharmacy Ltd
Vivian Pharmacy is recognised for its commitment to innovation, service, and community health. Located inside a busy medical centre and open 7 days a week, the pharmacy serves a wide range of clients, from private individuals to rest homes and mental health facilities. Owners Catherine Keenan and Amanda Slaats, together with their team, have strategically invested in technology – introducing advanced robotics and digitising workflows – to boost efficiency and patient care. Judges praised Vivian Pharmacy as “an extraordinary example of how a team can use technology to drive safety and efficiency and free up time to spend with patients to improve care.”
Green Cross Health Practice Nurse of the Year
Sarah Poupard, Taupō Medical Centre
Sarah Poupard’s dedication to improving healthcare delivery combined with her professionalism and humanity embody the best of primary care nursing. She has transformed services at Taupō Medical Centre by improving immunisation rates, creating a nurse-led acute care model and establishing a pioneering in-house new graduate programme. Mrs Poupard is known as the calm, collaborative force behind lasting improvements in access, outcomes and workforce sustainability. Judge’s comment: “Impressive integration of organisation/structure, clinical knowledge with culturally responsive care delivery significantly improving access to care for her community.”
Wellington
Chemist Warehouse Young Pharmacist of the Year
Mckinley Vollebregt, Tū Ora Compass Health
Pharmacist McKinley Vollebregt improved clinical outcomes and care for patients with type 2 diabetes at Seatoun Medical in Wellington, strengthening relationships and trust with patients and staff. Judge’s comment, “This submission demonstrates the future focus of healthcare delivery where patients and whānau can access services with health care professionals who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver services. It moves us away from professional silos by placing the consumer and whānau at the centre of delivery!”
KEY HEALTH OUTCOMES (alphabetically by region)
Conporto Health Best Youth Rangatahi Health Service
Turuki Health Care School Based Health Team
Turuki Health Care’s School Based Health Team has had a transformative impact on youth health equity in South Auckland. Operating in 44 schools, the team delivers free, culturally responsive healthcare to students aged 5 to 25, spanning Māori, Pacific, Muslim, migrant, and mainstream communities. By embedding nurses, health workers and a doctor onsite, the team ensures accessible screening, early intervention and health education, while removing barriers to healthcare. Judge’s comment: “A well thought out and collaborative approach to delivering a school health service into high needs communities.”
Bay of Plenty
National Hauora Coalition Mana Taurite (Equity) Service Delivery Award
Kiri Ora Project, Bay of Plenty Community Pharmacy Group
The Kiri Ora service enables tamariki to receive free consultations and treatment with a pharmacist for minor skin conditions. No appointment is needed, and close contacts of tamariki also receive treatment. Follow up calls and text messaging ensures safety and efficacy of therapy. Judge’s comment: “Project was innovative, collaborative through co-design with key stakeholders, and utilised the untapped network and skills with its pharmacies network to have a significant impacted on the targeted population.”
Hawke’s Bay
Access Community Health Primary and Secondary Integration Award
Renal Clinical Pharmacist Facilitator Service, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora – Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay
This codesigned service integrates a dedicated renal clinical pharmacist facilitator o primary and secondary care, improving outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease, many of whom are Māori. The team collaborates with GPs, specialists, pharmacy and whānau to streamline medication management and reduce hospital admissions. Judge’s comment: “This team has done a fantastic job of bringing together the wide range of contributors in this complicated clinical area. The attention to detail and basing this mahi off of a robust quality approach has resulted in a fantastic person-centred service.”
Tamaki Health/Total Healthcare Research and Education Award
Te Takapau Wānanga, Hauora Hokianga and University of Auckland
Te Takapau Wānanga is an innovative workforce development programme preparing health professionals for the realities of rural and Māori health, while directly addressing workforce shortages in remote communities. It offers a five-week, immersive residential experience for students across varied health disciplines, rooted in kaupapa Māori values. Judge’s comment: “Exposing students to the reality of rurality to enrich and inform their clinical practice and development as health professionals is a critical next step in the development of sustainable rural healthcare. Fabulous initiative.”
Conporto Health Innovation in Service Delivery
Levo, Kāpiti Youth Support
A crucial gap in early identification and intervention of young people’s wellbeing journey in the Kāpiti region has been filled by Levo, a human-centred client management and insights platform developed by Kāpiti Youth Service. Levo is transforming how youth wellbeing is understood, measured and improved in a meaningful and culturally relevant way. Judge’s comment: “Ambitious, culturally resonant solution with early proof of value, nail funding model and larger data set and it shifts our overall national youth wellbeing accountability. Well done.”
Spark Health Excellence in Information Technology or Telehealth
Telehealth Service and the Partnership Model, Practice Plus
Launched in 2022, Practice Plus integrates with over 300 general practices, supporting more than two million enrolled patients and offering same-day virtual consultations as an extension of regular general practice care. The service was co-designed with general practice teams to ensure continuity, trust and a strong focus on accessibility and equity – data shows 20% of users are Māori. Judges comment: ” This is a great example of sustainable innovation – breaking down barriers and improving access and equity.”
HALEO Excellence and Innovation in Rehabilitation
Streamlined Recovery Pathway, Habit Health
Habit Health and Silver Fern Farms have created a streamlined recovery pathway that reshapes how workplace injuries are managed. By coordinating care through dedicated health navigators and personalised plans, they have improved outcomes for employees, reduced costs and shortened return-to-work times. It offers a practical model that other organisations could adopt. Judge’s comment: “A great collaborative project that has achieved better outcomes especially for whānau and patients that find it hard to access timely services. It’s potentially a sustainable and replicable model.”
Nelson Bays
BD Rowa Product or Service of the Future
Comprehensive Primary Community Team, Nelson Bays Primary Health
Nelson Bays Primary Health’s Comprehensive Primary Community Team is dedicated to enhancing equity and health outcomes for at-risk populations, including Māori, Pacific Peoples, and tāngata whaikaha in rural communities. By offering early diagnosis, condition management, and preventative care, the team supports hospital avoidance and strengthens local healthcare. The team’s collaborative approach fosters seamless partnerships with local providers, ensuring accessible, sustainable care for individuals and whānau. Judge’s comment: “Your initiative reflected not only outstanding collaboration and operational agility but also a genuine dedication to addressing long-standing inequities in a practical, scalable way. Ka pai on this transformative and inspiring contribution.”
Otago/Southland
reCare Best Mental Health Programme
Tōku Oranga Access and Choice Southern Service, WellSouth Primary Health Network,
Tōku Oranga offers free, immediate mental health and addiction support, easing access for patients and reducing pressure on health systems. With same day or same-week availability, it ensures seamless, accessible wellbeing support for enrolled patients. Judge’s comment, “An outstanding entry in this category. Great use and knowledge of data demonstrated which is so important. Fantastic that this program is now being looked at nationally. You have made a difference in so many people’s lives and an immeasurable contribution to your community.”
Conporto Health Best Senior Health Service
Taurite Tū, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou Ltd
Taurite Tū, the first evidence-based kaupapa Māori strength and balance programme, is a successful national hauora programme for Māori aged 55 and over, combining physiotherapy with Mātauranga Māori to deliver strength, balance and overall wellbeing.
Judges comment: “A wonderful example of how to address an equity gap, manifesting Ta Mason Durie’s view of how to provide optimal health services for Māori – taking the best of science-based and Mataurangi Māori evidence and wrapping it in Māori tikanga – doing it in a manner that is fully community lead and co-designed.”
CrestClean Business Achievement Award
Vivian Pharmacy Ltd
Vivian Pharmacy has transformed the culture of its workplace to retain and attract staff. Communication is key and owners have an open-door policy of addressing issues as they arise. Champions were identified that could be promoted to team leadership roles and bring others on the culture change journey. Judge’s comment: “This is an excellent example of values-based leadership in action. Vivian Pharmacy has demonstrated how genuine investment in team culture, open communication and staff development can translate into improved service delivery, customer loyalty and business growth.”
Wellington
HealthCare NZ Best Supplier, Service, Product or Campaign
Hepatitis C Regional Service, Tū Ora Compass Health
By removing many barriers to care, Tu Ora Compass Health’s Central Region Hepatitis C Programme is successfully diagnosing and curing hepatitis C across the region, including underserved populations. Accessible services include finger-prick blood screening, prescription-free treatment, testing using plasma separation cards and a mobile fibroscan. Notably, 32 percent screened identified as Māori and 9.4 percent as Pasifika, reflecting a strong equity focus. Judge’s comment: “An outstanding example of a deeply collaborative, equity-driven programme grounded in creativity and practical innovation.”
