Pareake O’Brien Honoured as Nurse Practitioner of the Year for Kaupapa Māori Health Leadership

A commitment to whānau-centred care and rural health excellence has seen Whakatāne-based leader Pareake O’Brien honoured as the Nurse Practitioner of the Year at the 2026 New Zealand Primary Health Care Awards. As reported by Waatea News and Radio Waatea, the ceremony held on Wednesday recognised O’Brien’s transformative work in rural healthcare and addiction recovery. A nurse practitioner at Te Whare o Rehua—the medical subsidiary of Te Puna Ora Group—O’Brien utilises advanced clinical training to assess, diagnose, and prescribe, providing a vital link for whānau who often face significant barriers to accessing mainstream medical services. Shelley Cunningham, Chief Executive of Te Whare o Rehua, noted that O’Brien has demonstrated exceptional leadership by providing culturally responsive care that prioritises whānau in clinical decision-making. Her impact is particularly visible in initiatives such as the Te Teko Community Hub. This project addresses the interconnected nature of health and social challenges, providing integrated services to communities limited by distance and workforce shortages. By advocating for locally accessible services, O’Brien ensures healthcare delivery respects the cultural identity, whakapapa, and spiritual wellbeing of those she serves. In addition to the national nursing honour, O’Brien was recently awarded the Dapaanz Excellence in Clinical Supervision Practice Award for her specialised contribution to the addiction workforce. Her approach to addiction treatment emphasises the vital role of cultural identity and whanaungatanga in the recovery process. By building relationships based on trust, she helps navigate complex challenges including housing instability and mental health needs, while working to reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking support. Beyond direct patient care, O’Brien has been instrumental in mentoring other nurses and expanding nurse practitioner capabilities across the country. Speaking with Radio Waatea, O’Brien noted that her nursing journey was deeply inspired by her mother’s professional legacy, which set a high standard of excellence. For O’Brien, the profession is an extension of manaakitanga—a commitment to service passed down through generations. Her award highlights the essential role Māori health professionals play in developing services that are both clinically effective and culturally responsive. Her work demonstrates how Māori-led health services effectively address disparities by bringing care directly to the people, ensuring that vulnerable whānau receive care that is respectful of their dignity.