MEDIA RELEASE
ProCare’s awards Maori and Pacific medical students in general practice
AUCKLAND – 20 May 2011
ProCare honoured the top-rated Maori and Pacific undergraduate medical students of 2010 from the University of
Auckland's School of Medicine yesterday.
In an awards ceremony held on 19th May at the Novotel Hotel, Greenlane, Moana Taylor, of Auckland received the Maori GP
award and Brendon Ah Wong, also of Auckland, was the recipient of the Pacific GP award.
ProCare Chairman, Dr. Peter Didsbury commented last night: “ProCare is honoured to recognise the successes of these two
outstanding individuals who are committed to serve our Maori and Pacific communities. Having more qualified Pacific and
Maori GPs is critical to delivering the best health outcomes for these population groups.”
Both recipients were surprised by the awards.
“Not only will the money help towards my education, but winning the award makes me feel proud and inspired to work on
specific Maori health projects. My father is a Maori doctor and I want to follow in his footsteps to work in Maori
health, so this award has really boosted my morale.” Ms Taylor said.
Dale-Lynne Sherman Godinet, ProCare Maori Health Manager commented: “We congratulate Moana on this achievement, with her
strong understanding and passion for her culture we know that she will have lots to contribute to Maori health in the
future”
The annual award presented in conjunction with the University of Auckland, School of Medicine was created to encourage
Maori and Pacific medical students to choose general practice as a career. ProCare serves the largest Maori and Pacific
population within general practice in New Zealand, with around 185,000 enrolled patients across greater Auckland.
Pacific GP award winner, Brendon Ah Wong commented: “It was a huge shock to get the award. It has made me really happy
as I have a passion for general practice, and I am more committed now than ever to pursue this as a specialisation.”
ProCare Pacific Health Manager Wilmason Jensen said: “We are proud to support an outstanding young man with a passion
for health and the Pacific communities he serves. Brendon, and his family, should be very proud.”
ENDS