The happy buzz of primary care’s gala night

With cameras flashing, and drinks being poured, the energy and enthusiasm flowed freely

As soon as the clock struck 5.15pm on 15 May, the foyer of the Cordis seemed to descend into a happy sort of chaos.

A steady stream of the 650-plus guests to the second New Zealand Primary Healthcare Awards|He Tohu Mauri Ora poured in. The New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa and Pharmacy Today/Kaitiaki Rongoā o te Wā teams were hard pressed to keep up – tasked with tracking down finalists and snapping their pictures.

READ MORE

• General practice takes the stage at primary healthcare awards
• Primary healthcare stars shine brightly after an arduous year
• Empathy the x-factor as GP Bruce Arroll tops the Primary Healthcare Awards|He Tohu Mauri Ora

With cameras flashing, and drinks poured, the energy and enthusiasm flowed freely, as colleagues and friends caught up with one another.

When the conch call sounded, it was time for the guests to enter the great hall. Tables found and introductions made, attendees took their seats in preparation for the pōwhiri.

A powerful pōwhiri led by Nettie Norman and the Ngā Rangatahi o Tāmaki kapa haka group welcomed the manuhiri, who included health minister Andrew Little, associate health minister Peeni Henare, minister for Pacific peoples Aupito William Sio and The Health Media managing editor Barbara Fountain, into the venue.

Mr Little accepted the wero (challenge), and after a beautiful performance by the kapa haka group, the manuhiri, led by Mr Henare, followed up, ending with well-known waiata, Tūtira Mai Nga Iwi.

Emcee Jase Te Patu kicked off the proceedings, sharing how happy he was to be there to recognise the hard work of the health sector. He then handed over to Ms Fountain, who gave the welcoming address, which was interrupted many times by resounding applause.

Then the show really took off, with entrees being served, followed by the first 11 award winners being announced. A quick break for the mains before the evening charged on with the remaining 11 awards.

The guests finished off their three-course menu with “lemon delight” for dessert – a concoction created under the guidance of New Zealand Doctor business and advertising manager Rhonda Jackson. Not quite creme brulee, not quite cheesecake, and not quite tart, but with the best parts of all three, it really was a “delight”. But I digress.

After dessert was cleared away, it was the moment everyone had been waiting for – the big reveal, if you will. The ACC Supreme Award, which goes to the category winner who stands out as the best of the best. This year, it went to Bruce Arroll, GP, University of Auckland professor of general practice and primary healthcare and director of the Goodfellow Unit.

A wonderful night all round, and an absolute pleasure to be among such fine company. Congratulations to everyone who entered. Here’s to next year!

Don’t forget to check out the full photo gallery! Have any photos you’d like to share? Send them through to zshahtahmasebi@nzdoctor.co.nz