With the new year comes a new list of New Zealanders whose accomplishments have been recognised with appointments to the New Zealand Order of Merit. This year 183 people have been recognised for serving their community or a significant achievement.

We would like to extend a huge congratulations to Wāhine Connect board member Dr Alison Barrett for having been awarded for her services to women’s health.

Dr Alison Barrett has been contributing to women’s health as a gynaecologist, obstetrician, lactation consultant, sexual health specialist and maternal health advocate for more than 25 years.

Dr Barrett was the Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists at Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Ontario, and Clinical Director of Obstetrics at Waikato DHB. She received the F M Hill Award for Humanitarianism while in Canada, recognising her dedication to compassionate care in patient management. 

She is dedicated to women’s health and community activism and presents internationally and nationally on topics such as women’s rights in childbirth, why breastfeeding matters to maternal, infant and planetary health, and improving health care systems by preventing iatrogenic harms. She has served on an HIV Multidisciplinary working group, the New Zealand National Breastfeeding Committee, as a La Leche League Leader and as a member of the La Leche League New Zealand Board, the Homebirth Association Trust and Wāhine Connect.

 Dr Barrett has written in academic and lay publications with a health justice lens and has taught students of all levels in Canada and New Zealand.

Congratulations Alison, an extremely well-deserved honour.