Upfront

Advocate for diabetes communities becomes Patron of Diabetes NZ

Diabetes NZ is delighted to announce that Professor Sir Jim Mann (KNZM, PhD, DM, FRACP, FRSNZ) is our Patron. He steps into the role after the sad loss of his predecessor, Sir Eion Edgar.

Board Chair Catherine Taylor says, ‘Sir Jim’s drive and passion to advocate for improved care and support for people with diabetes is second to none. We are very honoured he has agreed to be our patron and continue his work with Diabetes NZ.’

Jim has been a friend, supporter, and medical adviser to Diabetes NZ for many years – as well as a tireless and vocal campaigner for better diabetes policy and health care. He has worked on several campaigns alongside Diabetes NZ.

He is a world-leading researcher: his studies into nutrition, diabetes, and heart disease appear in more than 400 scientific publications and 90 book chapters. He has also only recently retired from a long clinical career. Jim is:

• Director of Healthier Lives – He Oranga Hauora National Science Challenge

• Past Director of the Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre (EDOR), and now co-director

• A Heart Foundation board member

• Part of the World Health Organisation’s nutritional guidance advisory group and its expert advisory panel on nutrition. In 2022, he was appointed a Knight Companion for services to health.

Jim says, ‘I acknowledge and am very aware of the people who have filled this role before me. I’m honoured to be following them.’ He says, ‘I’ll be doing my best to support Diabetes NZ in whatever way I can in this new role.’

Sir Jim Mann

New Zealand Listener Magazine/David White

DIABETES NZ AWARDS CALL FOR APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

Diabetes NZ is celebrating inspiring members of our community. Applications are now open for these important awards. Please apply if you’re interested or encourage others to do so.

THE JOHN MCLAREN YOUTH AWARDS Our youth awards celebrate the pursuit of excellence by youth with diabetes. They recognise the determination and resilience of young people as they strive to achieve their goals in their chosen field, despite the challenges their condition brings.

In 2022, one award of $1,500 will be made in each of three fields: sporting, academic, and cultural.

Anyone who is 25 or under and lives with diabetes is eligible to apply.

THE DIABETES NZ AWARD

Diabetes NZ Awards may be granted to individuals who have, directly or indirectly, made a significant difference to the diabetes cause in New Zealand. The award recognises exceptional achievement and is made in the knowledge that personal sacrifices are always part of such a contribution to diabetes.

THE LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARD

The Diabetes NZ Life Membership is the organisation’s most prestigious honour. It is conferred on someone in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service for the benefit of people with diabetes.

To ensure this award remains a distinguished and exceptional honour, there are a maximum of 40 Life Members at any one time.

If someone you know deserves this, please nominate them.

THE SIR CHARLES BURNS MEMORIAL AWARD

Have you been on insulin for 50 years or more? Diabetes NZ presents this award to anyone who can demonstrate that they’ve managed their diabetes for a continuous period of at least 50 years through insulin therapy.

THE SILVER MEDAL AWARD

This award, initiated in 2021, is for anyone who can demonstrate that they’ve managed their diabetes for a continuous period of at least 25 years through insulin therapy.

HOW TO APPLY OR NOMINATE

Application forms for all awards are available on Diabetes NZ’s website and from your local Diabetes NZ branch. Go to www.diabetes.org.nz/awards. Entries for all awards close 5pm, Monday 12 September.