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National | Poverty

Dr O'Sullivan named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year

For the first time Dr Lance O'Sullivan has been deemed the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, and there's a part of him that would like to thank his former school for the achievement.

“This is where I started my journey to where I am now. Where I envisaged that I wanted contribute to my iwi.”

In Kaitaia he and his wife operate Te Kōhanga Whakaora, it’s a low cost health care clinic which allows flexible payments and walk-in appointments.

Dr Lance O'Sullivan was instrumental in setting up the Manawa Ora Korokoro Ora programme based at Kaitaia Primary which provides care for 2000 children from 14 schools.

He also set up Kainga Ora, an initiative which fixes run down homes in the community with the aim of ensuring every child lives in a healthy environment.

It is no doubt he will continue to do what he does best.  However he wants to reach out to young people and let them know that they have what it takes no matter what.

“This signifies a challenge to all of them to go and chase these types of awards, So that they too can achieve the dreams of our ancestors.”