Governing Body for Pacific Research Centre

University of Auckland.   26 January 2024

While Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa; the University of Auckland’s Centre for Pacific and Global Health, embodied a bold vision for transformative Pacific-led research, its launch in April 2023 needed strategic guidance. That vision became reality when Sir Ashley Bloomfield, the former Director‑General of Health, chaired the inaugural governing council in late 2023.

He leads a powerhouse lineup of advisors selected by co-directors Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Professor Judith McCool, and Dr Roannie Ng Shiu to steer the centre’s work tackling non‑communicable diseases, climate-linked health risks, pandemic readiness, and child and youth wellbeing. Sir Ashley emphasised the board’s role in providing strategic insights, networks, and opportunities to amplify the centre’s impact. University of Auckland reports.

Pacific Countries to chart path to strengthen research ethics governance

World Health Organisation.   1 May 2025

While ethical oversight in Pacific health research has often been fragmented, a watershed workshop in Nadi, Fiji (May 1–3, 2025) is charting a new path forward. For the first time, 24 delegates from 13 Pacific Island countries—including ethics committee members, health ministry research leads, and senior scientists—met in a two-and-a-half-day forum co-organized by the Pacific Academy of Sciences, the Pacific Community, and the World Health Organization. Guided by WHO Regional Director Dr Saia Piukala, participants used interactive cases to confront consent, cultural respect, data sovereignty, and equitable benefit-sharing in health research. Their shared mission: strengthen regional ethics governance so research truly serves its communities. WHO reports.

Aotearoa’s Pacific leaders ‘united around’ WHO regional chief Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala

RNZ.   18 July 2024

While the Pacific has long sought stronger global health representation, that shifted in July 2024 when Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala—the first Pacific Islander appointed WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific—visited Aotearoa. Hosted at the University of Auckland’s Fale Pasifika, he spoke about amplifying Pacific voices in global health and previewed a regional vision document inspired by the cultural weaving of pandanus leaves. His presence drew united support from Pacific leaders including Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Labour MP Jenny Salesa, and Aupito Su’a William Sio. As Aupito put it: “to have representation … we [need to] stand together.” WHO and RNZ report

NZ Team conducting discussions on improving cancer services in Niue

1 News.   14 August 2024

After visiting the 6 Polynesian countries, the team will compile all the information and present a Activity Design Document to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade with the regions needs to improve cancer services.

University of Auckland’s Head of School for Population Health in the Health Faculty and Health Sciences, Professor Jude McCool, shared with BCN News that their main focus is on building leadership in research and hoping to have an impact on improving health outcomes.

Lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle: 5 Key health priorities for future disaster response

The Conversation.   03 October 2024

Tonga’s mental health survey: pioneering research to transform mental health services

University of Auckland.   2 October 2023

Mental health in Tonga has long been under‑researched. A groundbreaking national survey offers a critical first look. Led by Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (former Health CEO) with coordination by Penisimani Moli, the project is a collaboration between Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, and Tonga’s Ministry of Health—supported by New Zealand’s Polynesian Health Corridors funding . The study, co‑led by Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Associate Professor Judith McCool, and Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, aims to uncover the burden of mental disorders, patterns of service use, and access barriers. Importantly, it emphasises Pacific data sovereignty, with findings accessible to both New Zealand and in‑country partners for health planning

Samoa leads regional mental health project

Samoa Observer.   23 October 2023

While mental health awareness has grown in the Pacific, Samoa is now spearheading a groundbreaking regional survey. Supervised by the country’s sole psychiatrist, Dr Seiulialii George Tuitama, and co-led by University of Auckland’s Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Assoc Prof Judith McCool, and Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, the Pacific Mental Health Surveys Project aims to map mental health disorders, evaluate policies, and strengthen local capacity. Funded through New Zealand’s Polynesian Health Corridors initiative under MFAT, the project emphasizes cultural relevance, Pacific data sovereignty, and empowering in-country expertise—from design through delivery. It will launch first in Samoa in February 2023.

New Centre to elevate Pacific and Global Health Research

University of Auckland.   14 March 2023

Aotearoa’s first dedicated hub for Pacific-focused health research, Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa (Centre for Pacific and Global Health), launched in April 2023 under the leadership of Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Dr Judith McCool and Dr Roannie Ng Shiu. Chaired by former director-general of health, Professor Ashley Bloomfield, the Centre emphasises high-quality, participatory research to transform Pacific health. Operations manager Nalei Taufa brings regional experience and supports a “nothing about us, without us” ethos, prioritising data sovereignty, capacity-building, and culturally grounded partnerships. From tackling diabetes and heart disease to mental health, the Centre aims to develop locally led, impactful solutions across Aotearoa and the Pacific.

Launch of Pacific Academy of Sciences makes history

University of Auckland.   23 October 2024

While the Pacific Islands have long lacked a unified scientific platform, history was made in October 2024 with the launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences in Apia, Sāmoa. Unveiled at a side event during CHOGM, the Academy welcomed 12 Foundation Fellows—including the University of Auckland’s Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor Pacific, Professor Jemaima Tiatia‑Siau—and marked the region’s first internationally recognised body of scientists. The Academy, established as a charitable trust and headquartered in Sāmoa, aims to elevate Pacific‑led interdisciplinary research, empower emerging scholars, and inform public policy across the Pacific. Sir Collin Tukuitonga co‑chaired the establishment committee and championed the Academy’s creation.

Pacific Islands scientists to launch Academy of Sciences 

Science Insider.   21 October 2024

While the Pacific Islands have long lacked a unified scientific platform, that changed in October 2024 at CHOGM in Apia, Sāmoa, with the launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences. Founded as a charitable trust and based in Apia, the Academy welcomed 12 Foundation Fellows, including the University of Auckland’s Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor Pacific, Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, alongside other regional leaders. Co‑chaired by Sir Collin Tukuitonga, the Academy aims to unite natural and social sciences, Indigenous knowledge and technology under a Pacific‑led banner. Its mission: to cultivate young talent, channel evidence‑based wisdom, and elevate the region’s scientific voice globally.

University of Auckland to host research symposium to mark Niue’s 50th Anniversary

RNZ.   3 October 2024

While Niue marks 50 years of self‑government (Pule Fakamotu), the University of Auckland’s Centre for Pacific and Global Health hosted the inaugural Niue Research Symposium on October 5, 2024, at its Manukau campus. Aimed at forging a network for Niue professionals and students, the event featured diaspora leaders excelling across healthcare, education, business, the arts, and more. Associate Dean Pacific and co‑director Sir Collin Tukuitonga led discussions, including a presentation on his ‘cool‑roofs’ passive cooling trial addressing heat‑stress vulnerabilities in Niue. A mentorship programme was also launched to support emerging Niuean researchers and professionals. Sir Collin Tukuitonga and colleagues report.

First Niue Research Symposium aims to establish network of professionals 

TV Niue.   11 October 2024

While Niue marks 50 years of self‑government, the University of Auckland’s Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa and Centre for Pacific and Global Health hosted the first Niue Research Symposium on 5 October 2024 at its Manukau campus. Aimed at building a vibrant network of Niuean professionals and students—both local and in the diaspora—the event featured key speakers including Associate Dean Pacific and Te Poutoko co‑director Sir Collin Tukuitonga, Minister for Natural Resources Mona Ainuu, Coral Pasisi (Director of Climate Change & Sustainability at the Pacific Community), and Hon. Sonya Talagi (virtually). The symposium celebrated Niue’s diaspora achievements across health, education, business, arts, and beyond, while fostering mentorship and community bonds.