Murupara resident Ngahaka Christie who suffers from issues relating to her heart and diabetes says the communities will be 'stuffed' if Dr Conlon loses his certificate to practice medicine.
Ngahaka, who was released from hospital on Tuesday, 02 November 2021 - the day before this photo was taken - worries that she may have to seek treatment an hour or so away.
"It is really important that we retain our surgery (Murupara Medical Centre) because the closest alternative medical care is in Rotorua which is just under an hour away and Whakatāne which is about 85 minutes away. Without the Murupara Medical Centre - we're stuffed."
Ngahaka was one of a small group holding placards during the Prime Minister Jacinda Adern's visit to Murupara in early October 2021 to help promote the vaccination drive.
Ngahaka says her health is too important to opt for the Pfizer vaccine which has been created in a short space of time.
"The long-term effects are still unknown and it's unwise for me to jeopardise my health. I want to exert my right to choose an alternative medicine to keep myself safe from Covid-19 because I have suffered from health complications for a long-time."
She says Dr Conlon has been by her side for about 30 years during her health battles as well as moments of joy.
"I have faith in him and his honesty. I've had a heap of complications and Dr Conlon has been there to ensure I understand. He has always explained my health challenges and side effects in reo (language) that I can understand. He's cared for me for three decades as well as caring for all my eight children while they grew up. I love and trust my doctor."
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