Kaitaia GP Lance O'Sullivan has been named the nation's Public Health Champion 2013 for his "dedicated and courageous efforts" to wipe out poverty-related illnesses in the Far North.
The award was presented at the Public Health Association conference in New Plymouth on Wednesday night.
Dr O'Sullivan said he was humbled and blown away, especially considering the high calibre of past winners.
"It's such a privilege to be recognised as having contributed to public health. As a GP, I have the opportunity to work on a personal level with people, but so many GPs aren't aware of the potential they have to impact the health of the entire population."
As well as being proud to accept the award, the outspoken Maori GP said he was pleased it would highlight the issues of poverty and ill health affecting Far North communities. Preventable diseases, such as rheumatic fever and skin infections, were rife, and too little was being done in terms of treatment and prevention.