As a trained lawyer, Paul has done everything but practise law. He’s worked in government, managed and chaired community organisations and co-led a collaboration consulting firm. A career highlight was working for Lifehack – a systems-led intervention into youth mental health.
In all these roles, he saw that people often had trouble working well together. Now, he helps leaders create places where everyone feels included and can do their best work.
Paul recently recorded the last episode of his podcast Beyond Consultation and is now working on his next book Leading Questions. He writes a popular weekly newsletter and shares free resources at www.paulmcgregor.co.nz.
When Paul’s around, expect lots of curious questions, a few stories, a laugh and a smile – especially when the conversation is a difficult one.
The National Rural Health Conference Awards Dinner was held Friday, 5th April, at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. It was a memorable evening that brought networking, recognition, and celebration for those in attendance.
The event provided a perfect opportunity for attendees to connect with their fellow community advocates, practitioners, and supporters who share a passion for nurturing the health and well-being of rural communities. A nice meal was followed by a chorus of dancing with the live band, and many attendees made new friendships that extended beyond their professional capacity.
The awards ceremony was a highlight of the evening, and the prestigious Peter Snow Memorial Award was presented alongside three new awards, all of which recognised individuals’ contributions to our rural communities in some capacity.
Rhoena Davis has been recognised as the recipient for 2023, while Kyle Eggleton has been awarded the honour for 2024. Despite there being no Conference in 2023 following the disruption of COVID, the decision was made to honour the work of nominees during that time.
Kyle Eggleton was announced as the recipient of the 2024 Peter Snow Memorial Award, with his contributions reflecting a persistent commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for rural communities, embodying the spirit of service and leadership in the healthcare sector.
Sue Donalson received the Emerging Rural Educator Award for her work as leader of Te Hōtaka Mātauranga Whatu Ngaio o te Tai o Poutini, an innovative Interprofessional Education Programme in Greymouth developing graduates for rural healthcare challenges and interprofessional teamwork.
Deborah Rhodes’s groundbreaking research on health and safety in the dairy industry saw her presented with the Emerging Rural Researcher Award. Her innovative PhD work addresses rural health challenges for policy improvements and community resilience. Congratulations to both winners!
Lastly, Julia Cronin of Manatū Hauora was awarded the inaugural Te Waka Kotahitanga Award. Julia’s leadership, vision, and commitment helped steer and set the direction for rural health when working with the sector in writing the first-ever Rural Health Strategy, rising out of the Pae Ora Act. Rural health can only make progress if those of us delivering rural health are working in close alignment, paddling in the same direction, and Julia and her impact epitomises kotahitanga.
The event brought together like-hearted rural health visionaries, healthcare providers, and community advocates under one roof. These opportunities for connection and celebration were cherished, especially as they came only once a year. It was a time for like-minded individuals to connect and celebrate our community at its core.
