A Whakatāne-based Māori health leader whose dedication to whānau, rural communities and addiction recovery has transformed access to healthcare has been recognised as one of Aotearoa’s outstanding nursing professionals.
Pareake O’Brien, a nurse practitioner with Te Whare o Rehua, the medical subsidiary of Te Puna Ora Group, has been named Nurse Practitioner of the Year at the 2026 New Zealand Primary Health Care Awards in Auckland.
The prestigious recognition celebrates her commitment to delivering kaupapa Māori, whānau-centred healthcare, particularly for rural and underserved communities.
Her work has helped break down barriers to healthcare while strengthening the nursing workforce and supporting whānau experiencing complex health and social challenges.
A Champion for Kaupapa Māori Healthcare
Te Whare o Rehua Chief Executive Shelley Cunningham says the organisation is immensely proud of O’Brien’s achievements and her contribution to improving health outcomes.
Cunningham says O’Brien has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her commitment to providing culturally responsive care that places whānau at the centre of healthcare decisions.
Beyond her clinical responsibilities, she has played an important role in mentoring nurses and developing nurse practitioner capability across Aotearoa.
Her leadership has helped strengthen a workforce that combines professional clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the communities it serves.
The award recognises not only her work with patients but also her wider contribution to the development of Māori health services and nursing leadership.
Breaking Down Barriers for Rural Māori Communities
One of O’Brien’s significant contributions has been her involvement in initiatives designed to improve healthcare access for rural Māori communities.
Among them is the Te Teko Community Hub, which supports access to integrated health and social services.
The initiative reflects an approach that recognises health challenges are often connected to wider social circumstances, including access to services, whānau wellbeing and community support.
For rural communities, where travelling to healthcare providers can create additional challenges, locally accessible and coordinated services can make an important difference.
O’Brien’s advocacy has focused on ensuring healthcare responds to the needs of whānau while recognising the importance of cultural identity, community relationships and collective wellbeing.
National Recognition for Addiction Recovery Leadership
The Nurse Practitioner of the Year honour adds to another significant professional achievement.
O’Brien is also the recipient of the Dapaanz Excellence in Clinical Supervision Practice Award, recognising her contribution to addiction practice and her commitment to strengthening the addiction workforce throughout Aotearoa.
Her work has focused on supporting healthcare professionals while ensuring addiction treatment and recovery services remain responsive to the communities they serve.
A central part of her approach is recognising the importance of cultural identity and whānau involvement in recovery.
Through clinical leadership, supervision and mentoring, O’Brien has helped build professional capability while advocating for services that empower individuals and their families.
Strengthening Māori Health and Workforce Development
The recognition comes as Māori health providers continue to play an important role in addressing inequities in access to primary healthcare.
Kaupapa Māori services often combine clinical treatment with broader support for whānau, recognising the relationship between physical health, mental wellbeing, cultural identity and social circumstances.
O’Brien’s work reflects this integrated approach.
Her contribution to mentoring and supporting nurses is particularly important as healthcare providers seek to develop and retain skilled professionals who understand the needs of rural and Māori communities.
Her achievements also highlight the leadership of Māori health organisations in developing services that are responsive to local communities.
A Well-Deserved Honour for a Dedicated Health Leader
For Te Puna Ora Group and Te Whare o Rehua, the national award is recognition of years of dedication to improving healthcare access and strengthening community wellbeing.
O’Brien’s achievements demonstrate the impact that committed health professionals can have beyond individual clinical consultations.
Through her work in primary healthcare, addiction recovery, workforce development and community initiatives, she has helped create opportunities for more accessible and culturally connected services.
Her recognition as Nurse Practitioner of the Year is not only a personal achievement but also a celebration of kaupapa Māori healthcare, nursing leadership and the importance of putting whānau at the heart of the health system.
He wahine pukumahi, he wahine aroha nui ki te iwi.
A hardworking woman with great love for her people.
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