Oringa Barach: Open Asthma (Adult) Award
Oringa has had asthma since childhood and remembers being treated with ephidrine and a hand-made aerosol. Today she keeps on top of her asthma with medication delivered by more practical daily inhalers. More importantly, Oringa and her whanau believe that her wellbeing is the result of a healthy attitude to asthma, never letting it stop her from enjoying work, sport and family.
Oringa aims high. She has worked as a nurse most of her adult life, many years in high pressured environments, and is currently a clinical nurse specialist in diabetes. On top of this, she trains and competes in multi-sport events, the high point being in 2007 when she qualified for and competed at the World Ironman Champs in Kona, Hawaii, in the 60 to 64 age group. The long list of events in which she has competed impressed the judges and they had no hesitation in awarding her the Supreme Achievers Award in this category.