Ms Allan (Te Rarawa, Ngapuhi, Tainui) began her career at Kaitaia Hospital as an enrolled nurse in 1986, and continued with her formal education, graduating with a Master's degree in nursing (with honours) in 2004.
In hearing that she had received the award, she acknowledged the strong, vibrant, "no nonsense" women who had guided and encouraged her early in her career, including the late Muriwai Popata, the late Tere Gravenor, and Lynette Stewart, the current CEO for Ki a Ora Ngatiwai. She also included her many nursing colleagues who had "walked the same pathway," saying she received the award on behalf of all Maori nurses across Te Tai Tokerau, and dedicated it to them.
Te Akenehi Hei Memorial Award commemorates the first Maori nurse who registered under her Maori name in 1908. The criteria considered are rangatiratanga (influencing positive change through leadership), whanaungatanga (establishing caring relationships), kaitiakitanga (empowering and supporting others into education), and kotahitanga (promoting unity and establishing networks).
Recipients hold the taonga for two years, and on its return receive a medallion and are awarded life membership to the Runanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Nursing Organisation.