Award recognises Nursing student’s empathy and generosity

Lilly-Marie’s empathy for others has been recognised with the presentation of the 2025 Jodee Redmond Memorial Award at a special afternoon tea at Wharerata, Palmerston North.

The Award was established in 2020 to honour the life of much-respected community nurse Jodee-Anne Genevieve Redmond Wager. It was established by Jodee's family to honour a first-year nurse who demonstrates nursing qualities such as generosity of spirit, empathy towards patients and whānau, honesty, integrity and the ability to positively influence others through words and actions. Jodee’s husband Paul Wager attended the ceremony with family to present the award to Lilly-Marie.

During her first year in the nursing programme Lilly-Marie was recognised by lecturers and clinicians for being very helpful towards students who were struggling and generous with her time in supporting students, including another student who had come into the programme late.

School of Nursing Senior Tutor, Max Guy says Lilly-Marie’s empathy shines through in all her interactions.

“Lilly-Marie is a dedicated nursing student who supports and cares for other students and takes them student under her wing till they had caught up. She has also had glowing reports during clinical placement about her empathetic nature and ability to connect with people”.

He says Lilly-Marie has always demonstrated honesty and integrity in ensuring her assignments were completed on time and met University writing standards. Clinical feedback has indicated that she has an innately caring nature and a natural ability to connect with others, and it is this empathy in caring that demonstrates that Lilly-Marie is truly deserving of this award.