Aussie battler to carry on for kids

An Australian who has battled for the health of New Zealand children is delighted to gain recognition in the New Year's Honours, after years of baiting officialdom and the scientific community.

Professor Bob Elliott, Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, said last night: "I felt I had perhaps upset a few too many people in the past so I'm very pleased to see some of the effort rewarded in this way."

For 30 years since emigrating from Australia, Professor Elliott has campaigned ceaselessly on child-health issues, while spear-heading research into childhood diabetes.

His announcement last year that linked the cause of diabetes to a protein found in milk rocked the dairy industry and the scientific establishment.

The Adelaide University graduate had earlier established his reputation with pioneering work in the treatment of blue babies and people with cystic fibrosis.

He has stayed at the forefront of the health debate since becoming foundation professor of paediatrics at Auckland Medical School in 1970. Since 1978 he has been Professor of Child Health, based most recently as the Starship children's hospital.

In 1975, he blew the whistle on conditions in the Princess Mary children's wards at Auckland Hospital, writing to the hospital board: "They are cockroach and vermin-infested, uncleanable and design does not permit adequate patient observation and care."