Whakanuiatia e te Rangatira. We celebrate Professor Jonathan Koea who was recognised by his peers at Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa-Māori Medical Practitioners Association 30th annual conference in Auckland with the prestigious Paratene Ngata ‘Ngakau Ora’ award. 

This award is given in Dr Pat Ngata’s memory to one who has shown outstanding concern for the wellbeing of individual members. The award was presented by members of Dr Ngata’s whānau, including his widow, who spoke poignantly about her husband—a teacher and mentor to many Māori doctors including Jonathan. 

Through his role of Kaiārahi/ Director of Te Rau Poka surgical academy, Professor Koea has for the past several years led the program and provided support for a growing number of Trainees and students under his tutelage. He is also the first Māori Professor of Surgery and gave his inaugural lecture in 2024 at the University of Auckland.  

Along with his many commitments, Professor Koea has been learning te reo Māori for the past three years, which included attending several wānanga each year at Urenui Pā.  

He also spoke at Tā Maui Pomare Day in Waitara and was invited to speak at the first anniversary of Kuini Ngā Wai Hono I Te Pō at the Koroneihana in Ngaruawahia. His dedication to his learning journey is eloquently stated in the whakatauaki (proverbial saying) from Ngāti Mutunga: 

Kia ū ki te Marae, mā te Marae ka kīa koe he Tangata 
Hold fast to the marae, for it is the marae that makes you stand tall and be somebody.