So far, 211 medical students have been through the scheme. Since 2010, Pukawakawa graduates have gone on to claim 40 per cent of available places for first-year provisional doctors (interns or house surgeons) at Whangarei Hospital.
The 10-year celebration and reunion a week ago began with a blessing and waiata - fitting with Northland having the highest Māori populations in New Zealand, along with many Maori health professionals, iwi health providers and patients.
Maori cultural immersion is a significant aspect of Pukawakawa.
Numerous couples who met as students during a Pukawakawa year were present at the reunion, some with their young children.
They included Cameron Cole, now a psychiatric registrar, and Carrie Bryers, originally from Dargaville, who works in paediatrics.
"You felt like every day was a bright, happy day," Dr Cole said of his Pukawakawa experience.
As well as working with Dr Lance O'Sullivan near Kaitaia when beginning his rural medicine study, local GPs offered the students their houses at the beach.
"I couldn't believe it."
The couple both work at Whangarei Hospital.
Other couples included Lauren de Boeck, who met partner and Hokianga native Rob Carr during the course. The two are now parents to 1-year old Arlo.
Speakers, guests and organisers at the reunion included Dr Lucille Wilkinson, Professor John Fraser from the Auckland medical school, Associate Professor Papaarangi Reid, NDHB chairwoman Sally Macauley, Dr Catherine Bremner, Professor Warwick Bagg, Pūkawakawa co-ordinators Dr Win Bennett and Caroline Strydom, and NDHB chief executive Dr Nick Chamberlain.