A Kaitaia doctor who has challenged the Government several times about the link between poverty and child health has been named Maori of the Year.
Lance O'Sullivan was announced supreme Maori of the Year/Nga Toa Whakaihuwaka on Waitangi Day.
Dr O'Sullivan also picked up the Hauora/Health category in the awards set up last year by current affairs programme Marae Investigates. Kerikeri High School received the Rangatahi/Youth Award.
Other Northland winners included master traditional waka navigator Hekenukumai Busby, who was recognised with a lifetime achievement award, Te Tohu Hiranga, and actor Rawiri Paratene took the Toi/Arts category.
Dr O'Sullivan made national headlines with his successful campaign for government funding to combat rheumatic fever, and was in the news locally when he parted ways with Te Hauora o Te Hiku o Te Ika. He next made headlines as he and his wife, Tracey, opened a free health clinic at Kaitaia Hospital late last year.