A Whale Fisher's Extended Family and a Provincial Success
Tony Newson
Auckland City Hospital
This paper briefly explains the origins of MH in New Zealand and the reason for the location of New Zealand's MH Diagnostic and Research Unit being based at Palmerston North. Prior to the annexation of New Zealand to the British Crown in 1840 there were some 3000 resident Europeans in the country, mainly whalers missionaries traders and merchants. Marriages between Europeans and Maoris were not uncommon. In 1976 a Wellington anaesthetist Dr C.W. Free showed that four of the five cases of MH that had been reported throughout the North Island were members of one extended family originating from Otaki and he traced this family to a whaler and his Maori wife. Subsequent diagnostic investigations of the members of this family were undertaken at a laboratory established at Massey University's Veterinary School at Palmerston North following protracted discussions between representatives from the Hospital and University, in particular Drs I. Anderson and R.E. Rawstron. The successful completion of biopsy tests performed on members of this MHS family residing throughout the North Island led to a decision to extend of this diagnostic service to a national level. The subsequent expansion of this Unit has been noteworthy and an academic component from members of the Department of Anaesthesia at Palmerston North Hospital together with colleagues from Massey University Department of Molecular Biosciences has given the Unit international status and acclaim.
Time of Presentation
Sunday 8 May 2005 - 1330-1500
