Trevor Walker Rural Health Scholarship

The Trevor Walker Rural Health Scholarship was established in 2023 to honour the extraordinary contribution of Dr Trevor Walker, a dedicated rural GP who played a pivotal role in researching and establishing the PRIME (Primary Response in Medical Emergencies) programme over two decades ago.

The scholarship(s) are intended to assist current or potential PRIME practitioners to commence or gain higher qualifications to advance their PRIME responder skills, or to undertake further research in this specific area.

To support this scholarship and its mission to grow rural emergency response capacity, four original paintings by Trevor’s daughter are now available through a special silent fundraising auction.

Now that the National Rural Health Conference 2025 has concluded, we invite you to view these artworks and place your bid online to support the next generation of rural health leaders.

The Artist: Tanya-Celine Walker

Growing up in Te Anau, I have the utmost respect for our land and my relationship with Te Anau Rural Health is embedded in me. I would regularly help Dad out at the Medical Centre after hours, on weekends or during the holidays as did my sisters. I was known as, “one of the Walker girls.” I am phenomenally proud of my Dad and wanted to honour him by donating to the Trevor Walker Scholarship in the only way I can, through my art.

A self-taught artist, I use oil paint, incorporating techniques of the ‘Traditional Old Masters’. The biggest advantage of living in Queenstown is that I am surrounded by reference material. My paintings resonate with the beauty of the four seasons, better seen in a rural environment, as well as the ‘number 8 wire’ approach that reflects the resourcefulness of New Zealand Rural GP’s. For me, the Trevor Walker Scholarship will benefit all people in need of help.