March 13, 2026

#hauora: Murupara Community Rallies Behind Long-Serving GP as Tribunal Begins

Dale Husband Posted On March 13, 2026

Dale Husband #hauora: Murupara Community Rallies Behind Long-Serving GP as Tribunal Begins

A strong show of community support has emerged from the Eastern Bay of Plenty as residents of Murupara mobilise behind long-serving local doctor Dr Bernard Conlon, who is facing a medical tribunal linked to his stance on Covid-19 vaccinations.

The support has been coordinated through He Tākuta Tipua, a rōpū formed in Murupara to stand with the doctor, who has served the community for more than three decades. The group has helped organise whānau to attend the tribunal in Rotorua, demonstrating what organisers say is a powerful expression of loyalty and concern from people who have relied on Dr Conlon’s care for many years.

Mere Honeycombe, who is speaking on behalf of the rōpū, says the turnout from the community reflects the deep connection many residents feel toward the doctor and the role he has played in the town’s wellbeing over 35 years. For many in Murupara, the support is about acknowledging the decades of service he has given to a community that has often struggled to attract and retain healthcare professionals.

The effort to attend the tribunal has seen whānau travel from Murupara to Rotorua, some organising transport and time away from work or family commitments so they can be present during proceedings. Supporters say their presence is intended to demonstrate how much Dr Conlon’s work has meant to the community over the years.

Those involved say the response highlights the unique relationship that exists between healthcare providers and communities in rural towns. In places like Murupara, where medical services can be limited and doctors often become central figures in the lives of families across generations, trust is seen as a critical part of delivering care.

Community members involved in He Tākuta Tipua say the support for Dr Conlon also reflects broader concerns about the pressures facing rural healthcare. Small communities often rely heavily on a handful of providers, making long-term relationships between doctors and patients particularly significant.

As the tribunal process continues, organisers say the collective effort from Murupara is about more than one case. The group hopes their stand will highlight the importance of community voices in conversations about healthcare and reinforce the value placed on long-serving practitioners in rural areas.

For many supporters, the focus remains on standing alongside someone they see as having dedicated his career to their town, while also reaffirming the strength of community ties that continue to shape healthcare in places like Murupara.