College of GPs recognises five members with its highest honour of Distinguished Fellowship

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) has awarded five of its members with Distinguished Fellowship at its annual Fellowship and Awards Ceremony in Auckland on Saturday 1 August 2026.

Distinguished Fellowship, the College’s highest honour, recognises outstanding and sustained leadership and contribution to general practice or rural hospital medicine at a level that has helped to shape the profession and improve health outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand.

College President Dr Luke Bradford says, “Distinguished Fellowship recognises Fellows whose influence extends far beyond their own clinical practice and whose sustained leadership, service and commitment have helped to shape general practice and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities. The legacies that these recipients will leave will benefit future generations of doctors and patients alike.”

Congratulations to this year’s deserving recipients:

Dr Lorraine Brooking | Kaitaia

Dr Lorraine Brooking (Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tūhoe) has dedicated her career to advancing hauora Māori and achieving equitable health outcomes for whānau, hapū, and iwi across Aotearoa. A specialist GP and rural hospital medicine trainee, she has served communities in regions with significant need, combining clinical excellence with a deep commitment to culturally grounded care.

Her work spans kaupapa Māori research, clinical governance, and national advocacy. Her PhD challenged dominant approaches to health research and advanced a Māori-centred framework for wellbeing. Through governance roles within the College and across the health sector, she has ensured Māori perspectives are embedded in policy and decision-making.

As a Clinical Director and national committee member, Dr Brooking continues to strengthen primary care systems and partnerships. Her leadership during public health responses and her ongoing commitment to equity, stewardship, and collaboration exemplify the values of the College and the purpose of Distinguished Fellowship.

Associate Professor Susan Hawken | Auckland

Associate Professor Susan Hawken has made an outstanding and enduring contribution to general practice through her leadership in education and professional development. Over nearly 30 years as a specialist GP, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the GP workforce, particularly through her work in the College’s General Practice Education programme (GPEP).

As a medical educator, clinical lead, examiner, and supervisor, A/Prof Hawken has supported learners across all stages of their careers - from registrars and international medical graduates to experienced GPs seeking Fellowship. Her approach combines academic rigour with practical application, ensuring training is both evidence-based and relevant to real-world practice.

She is widely respected for her collaborative style, her generosity in sharing knowledge, and her commitment to supporting those who are struggling, always upholding the mana of her colleagues. A strong advocate for equity and cultural safety, her influence has had an impact on both the capability and compassion of general practice.

Dr Nathan Joseph | Auckland

Dr Nathan Joseph (Ngati Kahungunu, Rangitane, Muaupoko, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Ranginui, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngati Maniapoto), has made a profound contribution to Māori health, general practice, and medical leadership over more than two decades. He has worked for four different Māori Health providers, including Whaiora Whānui in Masterton, Ngāti Porou Hauora on the East Coast, Te Whānau o Waipareira in West Auckland and Turuki Health Care in Māngere for 15 years.

Whilst serving in these communities, he provided comprehensive care in areas of high need, helping strengthen kaupapa Māori models of practice and shaping his lifelong commitment to equity and whānau-centred care.

As Clinical Director at Turuki Healthcare, he oversaw significant growth, expanding their Māori GP workforce and developing integrated services that improved outcomes for high-needs communities. He has also continued to mentor and support Māori doctors as a respected tuakana.

His governance leadership, including as Chair of Te ORA, has strengthened advocacy for Māori health and ensured Māori perspectives are represented at the highest levels. Through stewardship, collaboration, and innovation, Dr Joseph has advanced equitable care and left a lasting legacy within the profession.

Associate Professor Rawiri Keenan | Ohaupo

Associate Professor Rawiri Keenan (Te Āti Awa, Taranaki) is a respected GP and academic who has worked alongside colleagues in clinical practice, education, research, and health sector leadership roles to address inequities in care. Through research, teaching, and service, including more than 70 publications, he has contributed to collective understanding of issues affecting Māori, rural, and underserved communities, particularly in areas such as diabetes and cancer.

A former Pou Whirinaki for the College’s General Practice Education Programme (GPEP), A/Prof Keenan has played a key role in mentoring and developing the Māori GP workforce. His contributions extend nationally through senior advisory and governance roles, including contributions to health reform and quality improvement at Manatū Hauora, Te Tāhū Hauora and across the sector.

Guided by Te Ao Māori and a commitment to whānau-centred care, he brings a collaborative and practical approach to practice and policy. His career reflects sustained involvement in shared efforts to ensure the health system better responds to the needs and aspirations of Māori communities.

Dr Johan Peters | Gisborne

Dr Johan Peters has provided sustained and exceptional service to general practice and rural hospital medicine over more than four decades. Based in Tairāwhiti, he has delivered comprehensive frontline care while transforming services to meet the needs of a high Māori and high-needs population.

He built and led a large rural practice providing 24-hour care in his community, introduced innovative iwi partnerships through PHO governance, and contributed essential services across emergency, obstetric, and occupational medicine. His leadership within hospital services strengthened clinical governance, workforce capability, and training capacity in a region facing significant challenges.

A dedicated educator and assessor, he has helped shape the next generation of rural generalists through registrar training, accreditation, and national examination roles. His contributions to regulatory policy and medicolegal expertise have further strengthened the health system. Dr Peters’ career reflects outstanding stewardship, innovation, and commitment to equitable, community-centred care.

You can find the full list of 2026 award recipients on the College website: Awards | RNZCGP