Respiratory physician Lutz Beckert considers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, including the prevention of COPD, the importance of smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, and the lifesaving potential of addressing treatable traits. He also discusses the logic of inhaler therapy, moving from single therapy to dual and triple therapy when indicated, as well as other aspects of management
Boehringer Ingelheim - Stellar supporter of nurse practitioners
Boehringer Ingelheim - Stellar supporter of nurse practitioners

Boehringer Ingelheim is sponsoring the Nurse Practitioner Award in the 2025 New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora. Tony Davison, business unit manager, tells us what it means to be a Stellar Supporter.
Why is Boehringer Ingelheim sponsoring the primary healthcare awards?
Helping New Zealanders stay well can only happen through the collaborative efforts of all those involved in the primary healthcare sector. Taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate successful collaborations is important for the soul.
What is Boehringer Ingelheim’s key area of involvement in primary care?
As a family-owned pharmaceutical company, we are proud to develop and introduce innovative medicines that positively change the lives of many New Zealanders and their whānau.
What is it that interests you personally about the category Boehringer Ingelheim is sponsoring?
I have been in the industry long enough to remember the first NP pioneers back in 2001. Their passion, leadership
and, importantly, their desire to nurture and mentor other nurses has been inspirational. NPs have played a significant
role in improving the health and wellbeing of people in our communities with the greatest need.
What do you hope this sponsorship will achieve for the entrants in this category?
By reflecting on their contribution to their team, practice and patients, they can acknowledge and congratulate themselves on the significant difference they have made in improving the wellbeing of people’s lives. Then utilising
this positive experience to mentor other potential NPs.
What is a great experience you have had in primary care that you can share with us?
My daughter, Hannah, becoming a practice nurse in a supportive, collaborative general practice and is now being encouraged to be a nurse prescriber. Hopefully, when she reads this, she will stop procrastinating!
How would you describe the sector in three words?
Kotahitanga, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga.
If you were asked to name a popular song as the anthem for primary care, what would you choose?
Don’t Stop (Fleetwood Mac).

The New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards | He Tohu Mauri Ora is Aotearoa's premiere celebration of excellence in the field of primary healthcare. The awards honour the incredible contributions of our healthcare professionals in a wide range of categories. Category list available on www.nzphawards.co.nz/categories.
If you are still thinking about entering but thought you had left it too late - we have great news. Entry deadline has been extended to 30 April 2025.
Primary care in Aotearoa is achieving amazing outcomes in tough times. We would love to hear about the positive impact that you and your team are making for your community.