Media Release
Friday 27 February
Distinguished Diabetologist Honoured With Special Presentation
In honour of his tireless work and ongoing campaign to develop the understanding and treatment of diabetes in New
Zealand, Diabetes Christchurch organized a special ‘This is Your Life’ type presentation to Professor Don Beaven CBE, at
the Christchurch Casino last night.
Presented by Bob Parker, the evening was notable for the number of international experts and members of the New Zealand
Medical and Academic fraternities who came to honour Professor Beaven, aged 78. Many members of his family were also
present to celebrate his achievements.
As the evening’s presentation was a complete surprise to Professor Beaven, the event was organised around a lecture
series being held today at the Christchurch School of Medicine.
International experts include Professor Paul Zimmet who established Australia’s first Diabetes Institute; Professor
Philip Home, Professor of Diabetes Medicine at Freeman Hospital and who has assisted in diabetes care in a number of
developing countries and Dr Warren Lee who is the consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist of KK Hospital, in Singapore and
a member of Parliament.
“Don has been a major contributor to both the professional and consumer diabetes movements in New Zealand” said Russell
Finnerty, President, Diabetes New Zealand. “If we did not have a Don Beaven we would have had to invent one”.
Professor Beaven has been awarded with many honours and awards including a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British
Empire) in 1988 for his services to medicine. He is highly respected within the health industry and has pioneered many
of the developments in diabetes care in New Zealand.
“His national and international influence has extended beyond diabetes and improving treatments for individuals to the
public health approaches motivating improvements in nutrition and physical activity. These have influenced and
contributed to present strategies for healthy eating and healthy action, which my Ministry has contributed to developing
with the wider sector” said Dr Karen O Poutasi, Director-General of Health, Ministry of Health.
Professor Beaven’s interests extend well beyond his profession. He is respected expert on wine and was for many years a
senior judge at the New Zealand Wine competitions. He is a member of the Olive Society and has promoted the growth and
virtues of Olive oil, and has a reputation as an excellent Mediterranean cook. He is an authority on Greek and Roman
history, an alpinist and an active member of the Skeptics Society.
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