First research centre focusing on Pacific and global health to launch this week
A research centre at the University of Auckland will make history when it launches on the 19th of April 2023 at the Fale Pasifika, as the first university research centre dedicated to Pacific and global health solutions and leadership.
Concern for Pacific people's health and wellbeing has led to the new Pacific research centre looking at benefitting Pasifika communities across the region.
Creating solutions for the health wellbeing of Pasifika populations in Aotearoa is at the forefront of a brand new centre for Pacific and Global Health being launched this week at the University of Auckland.
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.
“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.
‘Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa’ is one of seven new transdisciplinary research centres at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland and it is set to launch on 19 April at the University’s Fale Pasifika. Focus areas will include health and ethnic inequities, alongside building capacity for collective gains across the region, among Pacific communities.
Current projects that are within the centre, include the Pacific mental health survey and Covid-19 surveillance project on Pasifika people.
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.
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).