Dr Andrew Brown and team at Whanganui's Jabulani Medical Centre win National Hauora Coalition award in Auckland

The Jabulani Medical Centre team includes Carol Riddiford (left), Dr Andrew Brown (centre) and Geraldine Service (right). Absent are Tanya Brown and Melissa Eades. Photo / Jesse King

Dr Andrew Brown felt that he and his team at Jabulani Medical Centre were never acknowledged as part of the Whanganui Regional Health Network.

About two years ago, he made the decision to join a new public health organisation called the National Hauora Coalition (NHC), based in Auckland.

The move was validated on Tuesday when they were awarded the Whānau Whai Hua - Outcomes Matter award at NHC's Te Pō Tuku Mihi annual awards evening.

"We got the award for the practice that has basically reached 100 per cent of all targets amongst all of the NHC practices," Brown said.

"I felt very proud that we managed this because we've not really had much acknowledgement locally."

The award recognises providers that have achieved exceptional results against set programme or service requirements.

Brown attended the awards evening at Alexandra Park Raceway in Auckland with more than 300 other guests, including representatives from Eastcare Medical and Castlecliff Health.

The hosts were Te Kāea anchor Piripi Taylor and Māori TV news presenter Wikitōria Day, and National Hauora Coalition Trust chairwoman Dame Tariana Turia was a guest speaker.

"This is our first involvement with a full Māori organisation and it was a lovely atmosphere there. It felt really homely, like we're a big family," Brown said.

"I'd like to acknowledge the exceptional NHC staff who are very professional and also thank them for the respect they have given us and our patients."

The NHC is a national iwi provider that works with several District Health Boards throughout New Zealand.

With them, Jabulani has been involved in trial initiatives such as Mana Taimahi, which focuses on getting individuals on a sickness benefit back to work.

Brown started Jabulani Medical Centre in 2008. After spending time in Springvale as a solo practitioner, he moved to Wicksteed St in 2009.

In 2014, Dr Bill Douglas amalgamated Quay Medical Centre with Jabulani and the practice was officially opened by then Prime Minister John Key.

Brown praised his team for their success, including wife and practice manager Tanya Brown, nurses Geraldine Service and Melissa Eades and administrator Carol Riddiford.

"It's been hard work, but I feel immensely proud actually and I want to thank them for their support.

"It's a pleasure and honour to be a part of this team."

Brown is expecting more good changes to come with the NHC, including the possibility of free consultations for under-14s next year.