Dr Joseph Williams, Auckland, QSO
For services to the Cook Islands community. Dr Williams has given more than 50 years service as a General Practitioner, medical researcher, mentor, and health advocate, and continues to operate an accident and medical practice in Auckland. He has a strong interest in medical research and established programmes that have investigated eczematous skin conditions, obesity and prostate cancer among Pacific peoples. He has held a number of positions in Pacific health focussed organisations and was recently elected as Chairperson of the newly formed single regional Auckland Pacific Health Organisation. He spent 25 years in the Cook Islands and served as Minister of Health and Education in 1974 to 1978, Minister of Health, Tourism, Transport and State-Owned Enterprises from 1994 to 1996 and Prime Minister in 1999. He was involved in the World Health Organisation, serving as a member of the Executive Board from 1995 to 1997. He has previously received the Queen’s Service medal in 1974 and the Pasifika Medical Association Service Award in 2004.