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With staff nominating their colleagues it’s an incredible display of appreciation and team work. With all this in mind, the Employee of the Year is the supreme award. Awarded to the person who is outstanding in all areas of their work, consistently going above and beyond for both colleagues and patients. 

Nick said the award came as a very unexpected surprise. “I knew I was a finalist, but given the outstanding qualities of the other two finalists I certainly didn’t think I would win in this category.

“It was an amazing and slightly surreal feeling being singled out as 'that guy' from within a stellar workforce. It's a very intangible feeling that is still sinking in,” he says.

His family and friends were amazed and very generous with their congratulatory messages. “You're never too old to make your parents proud, and my darling wife shed a tear or two during the presentation at the awards dinner.”

Nick believes he was nominated for this category for his ability to not only to do his own job well, but to also develop positive and supportive relationships with colleagues. 

“Being recognised by my peers in this way has been a very humbling experience. It has reminded me to show appreciation to those around me, who must all take some of the credit as I certainly didn't do this alone.”

Nick says what stands out most working for Wellington Free, is the supportive family-like structure and the many opportunities for those with talent, ambition or both, to develop their own skills and contribute in new ways.

He says our organisational values ensure we are all on the same page both externally and across the organisation. “We all speak the same shared language. Beyond this, being true to one’s own values ensures that your actions are authentic and sustainable. It takes a lot less effort to just be yourself,” he says.

Compared to other roles he has held, this one is by far the most all-consuming. “I am passionate about what I do and I feel as though this is a role I have been preparing for most of my life.”

After reading the feedback from one of his nominees, who describes him as an ideal employee and an amazing human being, Nick says it is a bit like reading about the person he aspires to be.

“I will continue to do all I can to be an active and positive mentor - a team member who encourages others to always do what is best for our patients and for our own wellness.”