Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: The Local Legend Awards at Mobile Health Group
At Mobile Health Group (MHG), we believe in recognising the incredible individuals who go above and beyond every day to make a difference in our communities. That’s why we launched the Local Legend Awards initiative, an opportunity to celebrate the everyday heroes whose commitment to excellence helps shape the future of healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Since its inception, the Local Legend Awards have garnered a positive response. Nominations have poured in from all corners of the country, demonstrating the deep respect and admiration for the staff who are truly making an impact.
One standout recipient of this prestigious recognition is Jenny Parata, an admin superstar based at the Rangiora Health Hub in North Canterbury. Jenny’s dedication to her work and her patients has earned her a reputation as a pillar of the local health team. A colleague of Jenny’s mentioned she’d been there for a long time and they wouldn’t know where they’d be without her. A multiple-time nominee for the award, Jenny’s leadership and compassion were celebrated when she became one of the first recipients of the Local Legend Award.
Jenny’s role at the Rangiora Health Hub is not only vital to the day-to-day operations of the rural health hub but also to the very fabric of the tight-knit community. She has an extraordinary ability to make patients and colleagues alike feel seen, valued, and supported. Whether she’s working behind the scenes to ensure smooth operations or personally going the extra mile to provide a comforting word to a patient, Jenny exemplifies the spirit of a Local Legend.
“I adore my work and the people who I’ve met along the way. I feel very touched by the nomination and want to thank the person or people who recognised me.” Jenny shared, touched by the recognition.
She continues, “This is why I have been here for a long while. We joke together saying I’ll never leave this place. For our close community here seeing a familiar face at the front is really special. We’re not a huge franchise, we’re a local community health hub and that’s what it’s all about… The essence of community.”
Jenny’s influence goes far beyond the administrative tasks she performs. She’s the kind of person who stays late to ensure that everything is taken care of, whether it’s helping her colleagues manage their workload or providing compassionate support to patients in need. Her calm, steady presence makes the health hub a welcoming and efficient space for both staff and patients alike. She is a well-known superstar to the Mobile Surgical team who travel with the unit and position themselves regularly outside Rangiora’s health hub.
It’s not just her work ethic that makes Jenny special, it’s her deep connection to the Rangiora community. As a local, she understands the unique challenges faced by those living in rural areas and ensures that everyone, no matter their background, feels supported. She knows that healthcare is about more than just treatment, it’s about building relationships and creating trust.
Local Legends like Jenny remind us all of the heart and soul that define healthcare in our rural communities. They are the unsung heroes who lead with empathy and dedication, making lasting impacts that extend far beyond their job descriptions. These individuals embody the values of Mobile Health Group, and through the Local Legend Awards, we are honoured to celebrate their achievements and the extraordinary difference they make.
We can’t wait to see how the Local Legend Awards continue to inspire others to step up and shine, much like Jenny, as we continue to build a stronger, more compassionate future for healthcare in Aotearoa.
Find out more about the Local Legend Awards here