60th Anniversary -2026 | Taranaki Medical Fou

Celebrating 60 Years of Legacy, Learning & Leadership

Since 1966, the Taranaki Medical Foundation has supported innovation, education, and research in healthcare across the region.

In 2026, we mark 60 years of this enduring legacy.

Explore our history, meet the founders, get involved in the celebrations, and be inspired to help shape the future of Taranaki healthcare.

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Logo Design Competition

Meet the Founders

The Birth of a Vision

On the evening of July 7, 1966, a group of dedicated medical professionals gathered at New Plymouth Hospital with a clear goal—to establish a society that would foster ongoing medical education and research for the betterment of healthcare in Taranaki.

What began as a discussion within the North Taranaki Clinical Society swiftly took form. Led by Dr. Stone and Dr. Hayton, the inaugural meeting saw the election of officers and an Executive Committee representing general practitioners, hospital staff, and specialists from across the region.

The founding members recognised the importance of continuous learning, research, and professional collaboration—principles that remain at the heart of our work today.

President

Dr Edmund Peter Allen

A pioneering radiologist and civic leader, Dr. Allen helped shape TMF’s early mission with precision, vision, and deep care for his community..His legacy lives on in Taranaki’s hospitals, planning chambers, art galleries, and cricket fields.

Vice-President

Miss Jean Sandel

The first New Zealand woman to become a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Jean returned to New Plymouth in 1950 and became a revered surgical leader. She was a passionate advocate for medical research, free access to education, and public health outreach. Her legacy lives on in the Jean Sandel Retirement Village and the memorial garden at Taranaki Base Hospital.

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Honorary Secretary

Dr Alan Colin Hayton

As the first Secretary of the Society, Dr Hayton was charged with circulating doctors and arranging the very first public communications for TMF—including newspaper and radio coverage. His practical groundwork enabled the Foundation to grow.

Treasurer

Dr John Joseph Valentine

A trusted figure in the local medical community, Dr John Joseph Valentine served as the first Treasurer of the Taranaki Medical Foundation. His financial stewardship helped establish the Foundation's early funding structure and accountability—key to enabling its long-term support of research and education in the region.

More details to come

From Society to Foundation

As we approach our 60th Anniversary we celebrate the pioneering spirit of our founders and the generations of medical professionals who have contributed to this legacy

Over the decades, the Society evolved into what is now the Taranaki Medical Foundation, supporting countless research projects, scholarships, and educational initiatives.

Our mission remains unchanged: to empower medical professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to enhance healthcare for our community.

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LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION

We are excited to launch the Taranaki Medical Foundation’s 60th Anniversary Logo Design Competition!
This is your chance to create a lasting symbol of TMF’s 60 years of supporting health and medical advancements in Taranaki.

Competition Details:

Prize: $1,000 NZD
Who Can Enter?

- High school and tertiary students (including those in design, art, or health sciences)

- Staff at medical facilities across Taranaki

- Community members connected to the Foundation’s story — including those in the arts, education, sporting, and civic sectors

- Anyone with a creative link to Taranaki and its medical history

Competition Opens: May 1st, 2025
Deadline for Submissions: July 15th, 2025
Winner Announcement: August 11th, 2025

Design Guidelines:

The logo must reflect TMF’s mission and celebrate 60 years of service.
Include the number “60” and elements representing health, community, and Taranaki.
Submit in vector format (AI, EPS) and PNG/JPEG with high resolution (300 DPI+ for print and digital use).
Provide CMYK (print) and RGB (digital) color versions, along with a monochrome version.
The design must be adaptable for various uses (social media, banners, merchandise, print materials).

Submission Process:

Fill out the online submission form.
Upload your design in the required formats.
Provide a brief description (100-200 words) explaining your design inspiration.
Agree to the competition terms, allowing TMF to use the winning design.