Kathy's story

Kathleen Scott, or Kathy as she’s known, was one of the first New Zealanders with diabetes to begin using an insulin pump, some 40 years ago.

During the time since then, she has been an advocate for and passionate supporter of people living with diabetes and their families, and received the Palmerston North Civic Award in 2002 and the Queen’s Service Medal in 2012 for her volunteer services.

Kathy is a founding member of the Manawatū Diabetic Society as well, having held the positions of President, Vice President, Information Officer and Secretary. It’s her background in nursing that has helped shape her understanding and compassion for the needs of people living with diabetes.

Kathy and her late husband Alex, who was a pharmacist, helped many in their local community learn how to manage diabetes, whether for themselves or family members.

This June, our Chief Executive Heather Verry travelled to Ranfurly Manor in Fielding to present Kathy with the Diabetes New Zealand Sir Charles Burns Award, which recognises 50 years’ managing diabetes with insulin.