Ben graduated from the University of Otago in 2000 and has been the community pharmacist at the heart of My Pharmacy Papamoa Plaza since 2006 and also My Pharmacy Palm Springs since 2016.

Ben says the purpose of his pharmacies is Healthy People, Healthy families and a Healthy community in Papamoa.

My Pharmacy has 4 touchstones which we try to live by everyday:

Health of course as we want to improve the health of our customers so they can enjoy the wonderful environment and lifestyle on offer here in Papamoa.

Family: not only of the families we see at the Pharmacies, but also the families of the staff and the family orientated environment I want them to experience at work. I expect us to look out for each other and work hard for each other and our customers.

I also want to achieve our purpose in a Respectful and Professional manner which are the final two touchstones for My Pharmacy.

As well as working at My Pharmacy in Papamoa, Ben has been the chairperson of the Bay of Plenty Community Pharmacy group since 2011, an incorporated society that works with the District Health Board and other Health Organisations to develop new and better health services from Community Pharmacies. Ben also volunteers his time to serve on the board of Waipuna Hospice, an organisation he is passionate about.

I have always found the palliative care element of my work as a pharmacist rewarding. I have a passion for supporting people at this challenging time of life. Being able to contribute to Hospice in a governance role is a way I can support an organisation which provides brilliant care and service to our community. I have always found supporting families with a loved one who is terminally ill rewarding. Often they have put the entire focus on the person who is ill and sometime lose focus on looking after themselves as well. When its all over I always continue to see those who have lost their loved ones, sometimes for many years and we can always have a laugh and remember the good times we shared when we were still all together.

Ben is married to Anna and they have three daughters. His family loves to spend their spare time enjoying the outdoors that living in the Bay of Plenty gives us the opportunity to have. Ben is a bit of a coffee fanatic and is also an avid golfer, so if he tells you he has been ‘on a course’ then watch for the twinkle in his eye at the same time.