First research centre focused on Pacific and global health launches

Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health, is one of seven new transdisciplinary research centres at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland.

It launched on 19 April at the University’s Fale Pasifika.

Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa is hosted by the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and is directed by established health researchers, Sir Collin Tukuitonga (KNZM), Dr Judith McCool and Dr Roannie Ng Shiu. Former director general of health, Professor Ashley Bloomfield is also the chair of the advisory board.

The centre’s mission is to transform and positively impact health for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, in the Pacific region and globally, through high-quality and implementable research.

Sir Collin says it will foster cultural exchange, empower local communities, and provide training opportunities to develop and strengthen Pacific research leaders.

Focus areas will include health and ethnic inequities, alongside building capacity for collective gains across the region, among Pacific communities.

“The launch aims to bring together Pacific communities, researchers, scholars, regional and global organisations whom we work alongside to advance policy, advocacy, leadership, and innovative initiatives that promote health and wellbeing of Pacific populations," he says.

Dr Ng Shiu also reflects on the importance of the centre name, gifted by the University’s director of Māori medium education, Hēmi Dale.

“Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa speaks to our focus on developing Pacific leaders to create solutions for health the wellbeing of populations in Aotearoa, the Pacific and the globe,” Dr Ng Shiu says.

“To do this we build on the legacies and hard work of Pacific pioneers and communities who came before us, to ensure we continue a legacy that future generations can be proud of.”

The name Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa means health and vitality in leadership. It also connects to Moana nui ā Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean. Conceptually there is a legacy with whakawhanaungatanga and shared whakapapa with Ngā moutere o Moana nui ā Kiwa (the islands of the Pacific).

The launch will be opened by Dr Anae Neru Leavasa, a general practitioner and Labour MP. After surviving metastatic bone cancer, Dr Leavasa graduated from the University of Auckland’s medical school and became a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

The launch is an opportunity to hear more on some of the current projects that are within the centre, including the Pacific mental health survey and Covid-19 surveillance project. Lynn Pavihi will MC the launch and there will be performances from the Niuean Bilingual Unit from Favona Primary School, and siva artists Natalie Toevai and Leki Bourke.