Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026

Evelyn Page Retirement Village

Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.

Click read more to find out more.

Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?

The Doctors

Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.

For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.

Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care. Find out more

How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?

• I prefer booking online whenever possible
• Online booking is helpful but not essential
• I prefer calling the clinic
• I didn’t know online booking was available

Vote View Results

• 40.4% I prefer booking online whenever possible
  40.4% Complete
• 24% Online booking is helpful but not essential
  24% Complete
• 32.5% I prefer calling the clinic
  32.5% Complete
• 3.1% I didn’t know online booking was available
  3.1% Complete

517 votes

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

• Yes - get rid of the clock changes
• No, I enjoy it
• Other - I'll share below

Vote View Results

• 41% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
  41% Complete
• 57.3% No, I enjoy it
  57.3% Complete
• 1.7% Other - I'll share below
  1.7% Complete

1288 votes