Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind - Achievers Award 1996 presented to Ivan Pivac at their Business Enterprise Dinner.
New Zealand Health Industry Lifetime Achievement Award. Presented to Ivan Pivac in recognition of exemplary dedication and commitment to develop and provide ground breaking resources for the benefit of those with disabilities.
Recipient of the Massey University Distinguished Alumni Award 2018. This Award recognises University alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities, to their nation, and beyond.
Ivan Pivac - Acupuncturist, has been in fulltime practice since 1974.
During his teenage years, music became a relaxing pastime.
Ivan joined a brass band and later learnt guitar playing for five years in a dance band.
For some years now, he has been a member of the Dalmatian Cultural Society's tambrica group with a regular Friday night practice and public performances.
Having Dalmatian ancestry, Ivan was naturally interested in wine and beer brewing and is a former member of the Mt Albert wine and beer brewing club.
For two decades, he was an exponent of judo and a member of several Auckland clubs.
Ivan has been an Esperantist for many years and is currently the President of the New
Zealand Esperanto Association.
While at school, Ivan gained his first class license as a radio amateur and holds the call sign ZL1IA. He is a member of the Western Suburbs radio club and an active operator.
For many years, Ivan was involved with Toastmasters and achieved the level of Advanced Toastmasters gold. He was awarded the Area Governor's shield for New Zealand in 2003. Ivan is regularly invited to speak at organisations on the history of the kauri gumdiggers and their impact on the social and economic life of Northland from the 1880's
To recognise his work in the field of Acupuncture since 1974, Ivan has been presented with the Health Industry's life time achievement award as well as being recognised in business with a specially sculptured piece of art presented by the New Zealand Post Office.
In addition to his BA in Spanish and Psychology, he holds a BBS degree in marketing from Massey University, a MCOM degree in commerce from Auckland University, a Diploma of Acupuncture, Hong Kong and a level 3 Horticultural Practice Diploma.
Ivan was also a finalist in the Senior New Zealander of the Year Award for 2017. He was chosen as a finalist from a group of over 1600 people and feels extremely honoured.