Mrs Joanne Gibbs, ONZM, of Auckland, for services to public health
Joanne Gibbs was National Director of the COVID-19 Vaccine and Immunisation Programme, playing a key role in New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership facilitated the delivery of New Zealand’s most ambitious vaccination and immunisation programme, which reduced the impact of COVID-19 nationally. She led the design, build, implementation and operation of the vaccine and immunisation programme. She worked to address the challenge of removing barriers to equitable access for high-risk communities. Under her leadership, the Ministry of Health partnered with numerous groups representing more vulnerable population groups. She encouraged creative and pragmatic means of reaching remote and resistant communities with information, including the information campaign ‘Super Saturday Vaxathon’. Mrs Gibbs’ efforts facilitated 90 percent of eligible New Zealanders fully vaccinated and many more receiving booster shots.