Dr Derek Gibbons, QSM, of Dargaville, for services to health
Dr Derek Gibbons served as a general practitioner for 45 years in Dargaville and the surrounding rural districts.
His advocacy was instrumental in the retaining of Dargaville Hospital and ensuring the community owned a 46 percent share of it.
He helped to establish a total health care centre based at the hospital, and negotiated a contract for the Dargaville Medical Centre to take over patient care from the District Health Board, resulting in a stable around-the-clock medical service.
He chaired Dargaville Medical Centre for 25 years. Dr Gibbons was key in establishing Kaipara Community Health Trust and Kaipara Health Incorporated.