The Royal College of GPs has paid tribute to a distinguished fellow, Dr Paratene Ngata, who has died after a long battle with lung cancer.
Dr Ngata, 62, was given the college's highest honour last year, for his work with medical students, young doctors and the Maori community. He died on Monday
Royal College president Jonathan Fox says Dr Ngata was a magnificent leader and doctor who spent many years working as a GP in the East Coast.
Dr Ngata was also the great-great-nephew of one of New Zealand's most respected Maori political figures, Sir Apirana Ngata.
Dr Fox says Dr Ngata worked to lift the number of Maori doctors, as well as bring a greater understanding of Maori to mainstream medicine.
