Jeanette Frechtling the clinical leader of the Child Development Service took out the inaugural Outstanding Contribution to Improving Health in Hawke's Bay award.
Dr Frechtling was nominated by her team for her constant commitment and dedication to child development services for the benefit of tamariki, whanau and the wider community for more than 20 years.
"I had no expectations and never expected to receive the award but just want to carry on with business as usual and do a good job."
Dr Frechtling has been a clinical leader since 2004 and has led the team from being a service of six individuals to a team of almost 30.
She said it was not just about her but was about the team.
"I think it is just a reflection of the team and service we provide where I just happen to be the leader. Everyone who works here are just as passionate about helping children and their families.
A member of the Child Development Team Kate Robertshawe said in their application that she had worked to install the values of whanaungatanga which meant connectedness, manaakitanga which meant respect and kindness and rangatiratanga which meant leadership.
Dr Frechtling was said to be responsible for a wide range of services including Child Disability Services, the Developmental Assessment Programme, the Gateway Programme and Autism Spectrum Disorder Care Co-ordination.
"I think as a team we are doing the best possible work we can for the children's population. I feel a huge amount of respect but I am not any more important than any other member of the team. We are a diverse team who all work together," Dr Frechtling said.