A Place to Stand

A country doctor's life in remote Hokianga, spanning more than 30 years.

Clare Ward is a GP living and working in the Hokianga Harbour area in the far north of NZ, an area that is poor and sparsely populated.

This restrained and thoughtful memoir tells the story of Claire's working life, focusing on the people she works with and the landscape in a spiritual way.

She explores what it means to be Pakeha in this deeply Maori world. She writes about this with deep respect, but she also acknowledges her standing as outsider.

Clare's story reveals itself carefully, drawing the reader in. She's structured it from morning to night, and from births to deaths, respectfully telling people's stories but keeping them safe and anonymous. Written in an understated way, this opens the door into the complex world of a rural doctor.

This beautiful hardback edition includes images interspersed throughout the text.