Kas says it’s a privilege to serve

Kas Govind is very aware of what’s going on around him at all times, but even he said he was blindsided by a recent award.

The owner of Cannons Creek Pharmacy, Govind was awarded a Porirua 50th medal last year, given to 50 people or couples who have made an impact in Porirua as part of the city’s milestone celebrations.

Govind’s patience and kindness in his work was noted by the committee choosing the medallists.

‘‘I didn’t see it coming, but I don’t think any of us [medal recipients] did,’’ Govind said.

‘‘I’m just doing my job, getting on and doing what I do every day. I didn’t even realise that Porirua was that old.’’

A pharmacist since 1979, Govind said his link with Porirua ran deep and he loved being part of the community on the eastern side of the city.

He began his career at the Porirua Urgent Pharmacy in the city centre, before opening in the Creek. He also owns the pharmacy at Kenepuru Hospital.

Govind said Cannons Creek had its challenges with poverty and unfit housing, but there was a beating heart beneath the surface.

The number of instances of kindness he had witnessed still stopped him in his tracks.

‘‘Porirua has a stigma and it’s hard to get away from that, but people here have a mind that lives beyond poverty.

‘‘If I say to someone at the counter, ‘that will be $58’, you get people behind them in the queue that will say ‘I’ll pay for that’.

‘‘This is a community with a huge spirit and generosity, despite the challenges they might face.’’

Govind said English might be a second language to some of his customers, but he endeavoured to make his advice and the dispensing of medication a simple process.

‘‘For me, it’s a privilege to do what I do, working to improve health and wellbeing. I’m very proud of my hard-working staff who want to make coming to a pharmacy easy. I might get the kudos, but they make the difference.’’

His eldest daughter was following him into the pharmacy business, working in Christchurch, he said.