As the Otago Daily News proclaimed, “Injury prevention expert honoured”

The article went on to explain that Carolyn was “A health professional who has dedicated her career to injury prevention”. In recognition of her many accomplishments, she has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to health. Carolyn was involved in the establishment of the inaugural Injury Prevention Network in 1999, and has been a key member of numerous health and safety initiatives.  In reflecting on the changes in the years since she began in the field, she commented in particular on seatbelt use, attitudes towards drink driving, and reporting of family violence. She added that “The honour shone a light on community safety”.  

“I’m accepting it on behalf of all the people who work in the area of community safety. To me it’s not so much a personal award as a collective.”

Dr Coggan was awarded Sweden’s Karolinski Institute International Career Development Award in 2008 as well as the Te Manaia Leadership Award for Community Safety in 2008.  Carolyn is the Executive Director at Safe Communities Foundation, New Zealand. Congratulations!!