Dermatologist joins honours list

It all began with a lunchtime presentation called ‘‘Have You Heard of the Internet’’.

It was 1995. The presentation featured a mock website on skin conditions.

Afterwards, audience member Amanda Oakley approached the presenters.

‘‘That’s a cool idea, let’s do it,’’ she said. ‘‘Can you give me any money?’’

The Hamilton-based dermatologist - who has practised dermatology in Waikato since 1986 - founded DermNet NZ not long after.

It’s now vies with the American Academy of Dermatology site as the most popular online skin resource in the world.

Oakley has made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to dermatology in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Oakley heard about the honour on her birthday, when an official-looking envelope showed up at her home. It was a timely gift, which she is humbled by.

‘‘It’s an acknowledgement of not just me, but the many people who have been involved in making DermNet a success and improving dermatological services in the Waikato.

‘‘We should be proud of the Waikato.’’

Oakley moved to New Zealand from England with four friends in 1979 and soon settled at Wiakato Hospital.

Waikato District Health Board, where Oakley still practises as a consultant, is now a major partner of DermNet NZ.