A long-serving Motueka doctor has died after collapsing during a regular sea swim at Kaiteriteri Beach last week.
Greenwood Health announced Dr Martin Hudson’s death on social media, saying the respected GP died unexpectedly on May 28.
“It is with immense sadness that Greenwood Health is sharing the news that Dr Martin Hudson died unexpectedly on May 28th,” the practice wrote.
The medical centre said Hudson had been finishing one of his regular swims when he suddenly collapsed.
“Martin was finishing his regular sea swim at Kaiteriteri Beach when he suddenly collapsed. Sadly, attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful,” it said.
“It gives his family and close friends much solace that Martin was out there doing what he most loved when this occurred.”
The practice described Hudson as “a very much loved and respected doctor, friend and colleague”.
Tributes poured in from patients, colleagues and community members following the announcement, with many describing Hudson as a compassionate and dedicated doctor who cared for multiple generations of local families.
One former patient wrote: “I doubt that there will ever be another GP like Dr Martin. He took the time to know his patients and treated them with respect and dignity. There were no time restrictions.”
Another described him as “a lovely man” who had cared for their parents, while others remembered him as “the best family doctor”, “a great doctor” and “the most wonderful caring GP and man”.
Several people recalled Hudson’s long medical career in the region.
Others credited him with providing life-changing care, including one former patient who thanked him for saving a younger sibling’s life as a baby.
Many messages highlighted his kindness and reassurance during difficult periods of illness.
“He was so very kind when our mum was unwell, very reassuring and very caring,” one person wrote.
Another said Hudson was “one of the finest doctors I had ever come across”.
Greenwood Health said details of a commemoration event would be shared at the practice and on its website in the coming weeks.
A memorial website is also being established for friends, family and patients to share memories and tributes.
Hudson is survived by his wife Michelle, daughters and wider family.
Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.
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