News briefs

MAS Members launch ebike subscriptions

A new ebike subscription service founded by MAS Members Connor Read and Aidan Smith is making commutes easier and more eco-friendly.

Shutl offers flexible ebike leases to individuals and businesses for a small weekly fee, and all subscriptions include on-demand repairs, maintenance and theft cover. The service is now available in Christchurch, with plans to launch in Auckland soon. Find out more at rideshutl.com.

Prominent GP campaigned for health equity

We are sad to acknowledge the death of Dr Heidi MacRae, a mother of three, high-profile GP and long-standing MAS Member.

Heidi passed away at 52 on 9 November 2022 from triple-negative breast cancer, following a diagnosis in September 2021. Her work will be familiar to many through her time as the Chair of Comprehensive Care PHO in Auckland and as a member of the General Practice New Zealand Executive. Heidi was a champion for health equity and campaigned fiercely for government funding for cancer medicines, including through her work with The Medicine Gap.

Heidi’s family writes, “Heidi was advocating for better outcomes for cancer victims and wishes that everybody makes sure that their loved ones get early screening, as early diagnosis greatly
improves outcomes.”

New Year Honours

We’d like to acknowledge and congratulate the MAS Members who received New Year Honours for 2023.

Dr Ashley Bloomfield – Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for services to public health

Hamish Bond – Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for services to rowing

Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer – Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for services to ophthalmology

Professor Emerita Jennie Connor – Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for services to alcohol harm reduction

Dr Apisalome Talemaitoga – Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for services to health and the Pacific community

Dr John Armstrong – Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to Māori health

Dr Timothy Bevin – Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to health

Catherine ‘Mary’ Cornish – Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to the performing arts

Nico Porteous – Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to snow sports

Dr Jane Skeen – Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to children with cancer

Dr Amama Thornley – Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to health

Robin Young – The Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community