Oral Health Projects That Drive Change
Oral health has always been a critical equity issue in Aotearoa, and Doug has been at the forefront of addressing it. Over the years, he has led and supported multiple oral health projects — each one designed to make services more accessible, culturally safe, and responsive to community needs.
These initiatives haven’t happened in isolation. They were built through strong partnerships with iwi, hapū, clinicians, educators, and health providers, creating practical solutions that meet people where they are. From free dental clinics in Kaikohe to co-designing models of care at a national level, Doug has consistently demonstrated that collaboration is the key to meaningful results.
Today, Doug continues to be recognised as a strong advocate for oral health reform, using his platform and experience to push for long-term change so that tamariki, whānau, and communities across New Zealand can access the dental care they deserve.
Emergency Housing and Community Shelter
Housing is one of the most urgent needs for vulnerable communities, and Doug has been deeply involved in standing up services that provide safety and stability. Over the years, he has helped create emergency housing solutions for whānau and individuals facing homelessness or high needs, ensuring they had not only a roof over their heads but also access to wraparound support.
Projects like Freedom Whare were born out of this vision — a response to urgent need, built on compassion and practical leadership. These initiatives provided more than temporary shelter; they gave people a base to rebuild their lives, reconnect with support networks, and take steps toward long-term stability.
Just like with his work in oral health, none of this happened alone. These housing projects were built through collaboration with local providers, government agencies, and community leaders. Doug’s role was to bring people together, create systems, and make sure that solutions were not just immediate but sustainable.
Today, his work in housing continues to be recognised as part of a bigger mission: creating communities where no one is left behind, and where everyone has the chance to live with dignity.
When communities needed access to healthcare the most, Doug was there to bring services directly to the people. He helped design and lead outreach clinics that took healthcare into rural towns, marae, and urban centres where access was limited. These clinics provided more than treatment — they gave reassurance, education, and trust at a time when people were most vulnerable.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Doug scaled this work to a national level. He coordinated the rollout of some of the largest vaccination centres in New Zealand, mobilising more than 80 nurses across the country. His leadership ensured safe, efficient, and culturally responsive services that reached those often left behind by traditional systems.
The success of these clinics came from more than logistics. It was the human connection — showing up where people were, listening to their needs, and making healthcare approachable. Doug’s ability to blend digital systems with frontline delivery meant data was captured, referrals were made, and services could be continually improved.
Today, the outreach model remains a powerful example of how health services can meet people where they are. For Doug, it reinforced a lifelong belief: healthcare works best when it goes to the people, not when people are forced to chase it.