A pioneer of her time

Dr Margaret Neave saved thousands of the world’s disadvantaged children in her long, unsung career from the 1960s to the late 80s. A passionate and energetic women, she would devote her life to ensuring young people across the pacific had access to vital medical care.  

From Tokelau, Samoa and Vietnam, to New Guinea, Vanuatu and refugee camps in Hong Kong, Margaret worked tirelessy to provide medicine, healing and comfort to those that truly needed it.  

Working with organisations like Volunteer Services Abroad and Save the Children, she was revered by medical professionals, internationally and locally. Side-stepping formal honours from New Zealand and Vietnam, Margaret was known to be a private person, with no interest for accolade. Asked once why she had devoted her life to working overseas, she simply answered “It has been so very interesting seeing what the human race can do.”  

Touching lives, globally  

Born in Wellington, her love for medicine began at an early age, aspiring to follow in her mother’s footsteps to become a nurse. In 1943 she graduated from Otago University, going on to work at Wellington and Hutt hospitals before heading to Britain to study advanced paediatrics.  

By 1965, she set out overseas, working initially in Samoa where she grew peadiatric services across a number of village clinics. A pioneer of her time, Margaret worked closely with local doctors, nurses and midwives in a truly progressive and holistic approach.  

Over the next 25 years Margaret worked across the pacific, on the front-line of epidemics and famine often amidst political unrest. After her death in 2007, her legacy would continue through the establishment of the Margaret Neave Trust providing essential support for charities working at home and overseas helping children in need.  

“Nikau Foundation could offer insight and knowledge into our communities’ needs that we didn’t have. We believe Margaret would be happy with our decision, particuLarly knowing that through their cost-effective model, more funding will go towards the children, and communities, who really need it.”

Dan Williams, trustee of the Margaret Neave charitable trust.  

A practical solution  

In 2019, facing increasing costs and administration, the trustees made the decision to pass the Margaret Neave to Nikau Foundation for management.  

In line with Margaret’s wishes, grants from the fund will continue to support some of the organisations she was so passionate about including Volunteer Services Abroad, as well as local charities that are working to improve the lives of young people.  

Help us to respond to our communities’ most pressing needs by making a donation to the Margaret Neave Fund.