Mr Neil Woodhams, ONZM, of Auckland, for services to people with Multiple Sclerosis
Neil Woodhams has been a senior executive for the Midland Regional Health Authority, Chief Operating Officer of Auckland DHB, and General Manager of the first Māori Primary Health Organisation, Te Kupenga O Hoturoa.
Since his wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, he has volunteered nearly 100 hours each month to MS services.
He is President of MS New Zealand and former President of the MS Auckland Committee.
He organised joint funding with the Health Research Council for the definitive study of MS prevalence in New Zealand.
He helped establish and remains a trustee of the New Zealand Multiple Sclerosis Research Trust.
He was a member of the Pharmac Consumer Advisory Committee. Mr Woodhams is a Trustee of the Fono Trust, Auckland’s largest provider of Pacific health and social services.