First 1,000 Days

Dr Johan Morreau, former RACP Aotearoa New Zealand President (2010-2012), Lakes paediatrician, Chief Medical Officer and member of the Lakes District Health Board, passed away last month, aged 73, after a long illness. Dr Morreau, a distinguished paediatrician, was highly regarded for his significant contributions to health initiatives across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, particularly his leadership in Māori and Pacific health.
  
Known for his quiet strength and lifelong commitment to supporting children and their families in the earliest years of life, Johan was a kind and thoughtful man whose work changed lives.
  
Johan was married to Karen for nearly 50 years, a father to his three children, Luke, Ben and Nina, and grandfather to eight grandchildren. He was a gifted sportsperson, who played cricket competitively, and represented Aotearoa New Zealand as a senior player, but also loved rowing and many other outdoors sports.
  
As a caring and dedicated paediatrician for over 35 years, until his retirement in 2018. Johan’s high standards of paediatric care positively impacted thousands of tamariki, taiohi and their whānau. He played a national role in Aotearoa New Zealand in advocating for child health, and his desire for children to experience better outcomes remained a remained strong even in the last weeks of his life. 
  
In 2008, his service to the community was recognised when he was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to community health.
  
Dr Morreau also made numerous visits to Vietnam, where he was a strong advocate for improving health outcomes for babies and children. Through his teaching of healthcare professionals in a regional hospital, Jphan made a lasting impact. Additionally, he served as Chair of the Vietnam-New Zealand Health Trust for over twenty years, demonstrating his commitment to global health.
  
He was a champion and leader in emphasising the critical importance of the 'First 1,000 Days' of a child’s life. A wise and talented teacher and mentor, Dr Morreau inspired many doctors and students and served as an exemplary role model for his colleagues.
  
During this time, he was a steadfast advocate for the people of the Rotorua Lakes District in the North Island, contributing to the high standards of care in the healthcare system. In the later years of his career. He was also a trustee of Brainwave Trust Aotearoa, dedicated to sharing knowledge about the critical importance of the first 1,000 days of life.
  
Johan's dedication and contributions have left an indelible mark on the healthcare community. As we honour his memory, we are reminded of the importance of continuing his work and building on the foundations he helped establish.
  
Johan’s family asked that everyone share his TED Talk on the First 1,000 Days, as this is his legacy. If you haven't already seen it, please take a moment to watch it.
  
Moe mai rā e te rangatira
  
Professor Jennifer Martin
RACP President