Local Legend Awards
Local Legend Awards
Healthcare runs on extraordinary people doing ordinary things exceptionally well. Know one?
Every community has a healthcare hero.
They might be a nurse, administrator, driver, technician, clinician, co-ordinator, volunteer, or someone working quietly behind the scenes. Whatever their role, they make a real difference to patients, whānau, colleagues, and the communities they serve.
That’s why Mobile Health Group created the Local Legends Awards. These awards celebrate the people who go above and beyond to help deliver healthcare, whether through our services, the wider health sector, or their local community.
Some Local Legends support patients long after the working day ends. They coach sports teams, mentor young people, volunteer their time, champion mental health, lead community initiatives, or simply step up whenever help is needed.
The Local Legends Awards shine a light on these everyday champions and recognise the positive impact they have both inside and outside the health system.
Nominations are open to anyone working in healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand, including those connected with Mobile Surgical, Mobile Medical and My Health Hub.
Know a Local Legend? We’d love to hear their story.
To nominate a local hero in YOUR community, please complete the short online nomination form, or scan the QR code below.
Recent recipients
Read more about some of the recent recipients of the Local Legends Award.
A Local Legend for rural tamariki: Meet Yaso Ramadas
Mobile Health Group’s latest Local Legend Award recipient, paediatric dental surgeon Yaso Ramadas has spent the past 20 years travelling to communities across Aotearoa to deliver essential dental care to children through Mobile Surgical. Over the years, she has cared...
Rural health advocate recognised as a Local Legend: Meet Dr Jo Scott-Jones
Dr Jo Scott-Jones has long been a quiet force in rural health, but his presentation delivery of the John McLeod Oration at the 21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference 2026 earlier this year revealed the depth of both his impact and his character. He offered a deeply...
A heart that never stops giving: Meet local legend, Sally Hall
A heart that never stops giving: Meet local legend, Sally Hall If you’ve worked between Palmerston North and Levin in the last two decades, you’ve most likely heard the name Sally Hall. She arrived from the Philippines 22 years ago, carrying with her only what she...
Judy Nelson: A Heart of Gold at the Heart of Balclutha
Judy Nelson: A heart of gold at the heart of Balclutha In the small South Otago town of Balclutha, there’s one name that’s become synonymous with compassion, consistency, and community, Judy Nelson. After 27 years with Clutha Health First and a vital role with the...
Amber Kirkman: A local legend building knowledge, confidence and community in rural healthcare
Amber Kirkman: A Local Legend and hero. Mobile Health Group’s (MHG) Local Legend initiative is in full swing, recognising outstanding individuals across Aotearoa from top to bottom. When you meet Amber Kirkman, one thing becomes clear straight away, she’s deeply...
Local Legend: Maria Escarlan making positive shifts in aged care
Maria Escarlan making positive shifts in aged care. Mobile Health Group’s (MHG) Local Legend initiative is in full swing. It has been rewarding for us to recognise the nominations that have been received. Maria Escarlan, a nurse practitioner based in New Plymouth is...
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes
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...
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