"I just see myself as one of the team, plodding along, doing the job, taking delight in coming to work each day and being able to do what I do with such wonderful colleagues and patients."
For Ms Peterson the awards conferred a great sense of acknowledgement of all of the work done, "not only for us individually but as a team. Our achievements are because we all strive for the same outcome," she said.
Ms Mills undertook her enrolled nurse training in the 1980s, before leaving to have a family. She returned to nursing in 2001 as a single parent of three children, studying for her Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) in Kaitaia. She graduated as a registered nurse in 2003 and began her career with Te Hiku Hauora in 2007. She is currently working on her Master's in nursing, with a view to becoming a diabetes nurse specialist with prescribing.
Ms Peterson has worked at Te Hiku Hauora for the last three years, after graduating as an enrolled nurse in Australia in 2007, before moving to Kaitaia.
"Nursing has its own challenges and rewards," Ms Mills said.
"I love that in my role you get to know your patients, you share their health journey with them, their triumphs, their disappointments, their tears and their laughter."
Both wished to thank their colleagues, and Medical Director Dr Norma Nehren, for their support and continual knowledge.
"We have amazing primary health care nurses in the Far North, and they all work tirelessly at providing the best possible care for our community," Ms Peterson said.
Ms Mills agreed.
"We have the best practice manager [Cheryl Britton]. Her support and encouragement has been instrumental in our growth. And of course all the members of the team we work with, we could never do what we do without their support," she said.
