A Whakatāne nurse practitioner has been named a finalist in the New Zealand Primary Health Awards He Tohu Māori Ora.

Pareake “Pare” O’Brien, who works for Te Puna Ora Group’s medical subsidiary, Te Whare o Rehua, in Kopeopeo, is one of two finalists for the Boehringer Ingelheim Nurse Practitioner of the Year Award. She is competing against Kiel Harrison of Kensington Health.

Te Whare o Rehua chief executive Shelley Cunningham said the organisation was proud to see O’Brien’s work recognised nationally.

“Pare delivers exceptional kaupapa Māori, whānau-centred care, breaking down barriers and improving access for rural and underserved communities,” Cunningham said.

“Beyond her clinical practice, her work mentoring and guiding nursing and nurse practitioner capability across the country has helped shape a highly skilled workforce that is also deeply connected to the communities it serves.

"Pare leads with integrity, humility and an unwavering commitment to whānau, our communities, and the nursing profession.”

O’Brien has previously received the Te Akenehi Hei Award, the highest honour presented by Te Rūnanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation. She received the award following in the footsteps of her late mother, Putiputi O’Brien.

She has also received the Dapaanz Excellence in Clinical Supervision Practice Award for her leadership in addiction and clinical support.

The NZ Primary Health Awards recognise excellence, innovation, and leadership across the primary care sector, including general practice, nursing, pharmacy, and community health. There is also a Supreme Award.

The finalists will gather in Auckland this weekend, with winners announced at the awards ceremony.