A Place to Stand

by Clare Ward

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 beautiful memoir tells the story of Clare's 30-year working life, the people she works with and the remote and isolated landscape in which she practises.

She explores what it means to be Pākehā in this deeply Māori world. She writes about this with respect, while also acknowledging her standing as outsider.

Clare's story reveals itself carefully, drawing the reader in. She's structured it from morning to night, respectfully telling people's stories and 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 black & white images interspersed throughout the text.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2026

Reviews

[Catherine Dick]

What a beautifully written book. Magical and spiritual. A very special insight into Te Ao Māori. And the privilege as a pākehā living alongside and interwoven with tangata whenua. The photography was an added layer.

[Christopher Hynes]

I found this very illuminating to read the stories as well as the innermost private thoughts of a this GP in rural New Zealand. Most of it is very New Zealand specific so if you’re not interested in that aspect of it, you may not get as much out of this book.

[Carol]

Pakeha gp in rural maori region Hokianga. Interesting perspective on cultural differences