10 Questions: Surf and treks for Doc Martin

Doctor John Martin

From Cornwall to Otangarei: John Martin is the new doctor at the Otangarei's Te Hau Awhiowhio Health Centre. Dr Martin is keen to give the community the care it deserves and believes in treating others how you want to be treated. He has only been in Northland for about a week and is already impressed by Whangarei's scenery. The Cornish doctor reveals more about himself in this week's 10 questions.

1. Describe yourself in three words.

Open-minded Cornishman.

2. What is the most important advice you have ever been given?

Treat others as you would wish yourself to be treated.

3. What album is playing on your stereo/computer at the moment?

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication.

4. What is the one thing you could not live without each day?

My family.

5. What were your first impressions of Whangarei when you arrived?

Amazing outdoors - mountains, beaches, treks.

6. If you weren't a doctor, what would you be doing?

Something involving travel or outdoor work, a park ranger.

7. Tell us something that most people don't know about you.

I believed in Father Christmas up to the age of 8, by which time I had made up my mind that he ran a form of parcel-force type delivery service - thankfully my parents put me straight.

8. As a child, who or what did you want to be when you grew up? And why?

A doctor - seemed like an exciting and fun job.

9. What is the most challenging thing that you will face in your new role in the next 12 months?

Helping the community get the healthcare it deserves.

10. What are you most looking forward to doing as you settle into your new home in Northland?

Going to the beach for a surf.