Island life tonic for doctor

By ANGELA GREGORY

He started as a flying-bikey doctor, but a four-wheel-drive now keeps Dr Ivan Howie motoring around Great Barrier Island.

The island's only resident doctor has been awarded the Queen's Service Medal for his contribution to the community.

Dr Howie has worked there as a GP for over 20 years, starting fortnightly clinics in 1980.

He would fly from Auckland, then ride a motorbike around the narrow island roads to hold clinics in the tiny settlements.

After three years, Dr Howie moved to a bach at Kaitoke, near the island's airstrip, and set up a permanent home with his wife, Leonie.

They and their two children, Amiria, aged 13, and Jordan,11, became part of the island's community life.

Dr Howie, who is also a Baptist minister, has officiated at christenings, weddings, funerals and unveilings.

At one stage he became the de facto island vet and even a dentist of sorts.

"We muddled along. There was never a dull moment."

Island life has made Dr Howie an expert in removing fish hooks, and treating people who fall through boat hatches or get the bends.

"I look after a huge population over summer," he said.

"Port Fitzroy is chocka with boats and people are always doing stupid things."

The local police officer doubles as the ambulance service, and Dr Howie was once flown by Army helicopter to treat a seriously ill man in a bush hut.

"The police found him while doing a drugs bust. He was so sick with vomiting and diarrhoea they had to call me in to rescue him."

Dr Howie has delivered babies by torchlight and has supplied pain relief or used instruments only "once or twice".

To leave the island to enjoy a holiday has not always been easy because locums are increasingly difficult to get.

But the 60-year-old said he would not change his lifestyle for a moment.

"I spent three months working in Thailand with Cambodia refugees for World Vision in 1980. That spoiled me for routine medical practice."