When George and his young wife first arrived in Hikurangi in 1977, it was a thriving community with flourishing businesses. Bit by bit, the town and the area declined with the closure of a number of businesses. George stayed on to serve the community during difficult times. He has the energy, empathy, commitment, and willingness to put the needs of others first.
It was a brave step for an immigrant doctor to bring his practice and family to the virtual backwater of Hikurangi in 1977 but apart from the village, he also served a wide rural area. He set up in council-owned premises, renting the surgery and the nearby house, which he now owns. Through his practice, church, and school affiliations, the Perera family quickly became an integral part of the community to the extent that Dr Perera is still in service today.
When the Hikurangi Business Association was formed in 2007, George was eager to support the work to uplift the community, especially the younger generation. The Hikurangi Business Association has given him the ‘Long Service Award’ in 2022 for the exceptionally long years of services he rendered to the community.
He has been the only GP in Whangarei and Hikurangi to find the time to make house calls to his patients in his own time, and on many occasions, he sacrificed his personal time and family holidays when he was unable to find a locum to care for his clients. Such is his dedication to the care and needs, particularly of the Maori community in Hikurangi.
As the doctor-patient service is personal, his dedicated service is not in the public domain. George is a very private person who prefers to avoid the spotlight. As a medical professional, his primary focus is on his patients’ well-being and care. Only the patients and their families can truly appreciate the extent of his dedication, commitment, and devotion to medical service. He effectively demonstrates the true meaning of the doctor-patient relationship that is built on trust, respect, and communication. He has also remained a steadfast pillar of support for those in need of medical attention at any time of the day.
George is a highly skilled, extremely knowledgeable, and compassionate doctor who consistently displays and promotes the highest ethical standards in his profession. He has a reputation for being extra caring and helpful with children and vulnerable patients, especially the elderly. He selflessly gives his time and is a dedicated medical professional who is committed to the health and social well-being of the Hikurangi community. The pastoral care he provides goes far beyond the expectations of a rural GP. His exceptional work ethic and dedication make him stand out among his peers.
In the recent past, civil unrest caused many families to leave Sri Lanka to find a peaceful life in New Zealand. Establishing life in a new country and culture with young children is not easy. George helped these families by looking after their economic, health, and social well-being by being a fatherly figure to the young families.
His support extends far beyond the realms of medical care, encompassing various aspects of social and emotional well-being, thus fostering a sense of belonging and unity in the community, especially among new residents.
Overall, George has provided 50 years of medical service in New Zealand, of which 47 are in Hikurangi. For this, we honour him.
By Marian Dissanayake – Whangarei
