First Pacific woman appointed public health director

The Ministry of Health appointed Dr Corina Grey (Alafua, Tafitoala, Vailima/Upolu and Safune, Gataivai/Savai‘i and European) as the new Director of Public Health this year, a landmark appointment for Pacific leadership in Aotearoa.

A proud Sāmoan and respected public health physician, Dr Grey brings over two decades of experience in population health, health equity and Pacific health to the role.

Her leadership has shaped national strategies including Te Mana Ola and Ola Manuia, and the appointment signals a strong commitment to improving outcomes for Pacific communities.

Grey steps into the role following her tenure as Deputy Secretary, Policy and Insights at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.

An alumna of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, the Director of Public Health was the first in her family to pursue a career in medicine.

She says her late older brother, Sa’aga, was a major source of inspiration.

Born in Sāmoa, her parents, Vance and Toreka Grey, moved the family to Aotearoa when Grey was five years old.

Her brother, Sa’aga, developed disabilities while very young that required extra care.

“There wasn’t anyone in my family who was in a medical or health-related role - but just having that continuous contact with the health system, just seeing the difference people working in health can make to someone’s life and the lives of their family, that really inspired me.”

The experience also made Grey aware of the critical importance of good health.

“When you have a family member who has high needs, you actually realise not everyone wins the lottery of life. I have all these opportunities available to me my brother doesn't have. So I better use those opportunities for him!”

Sa’aga passed away several years ago, but he continues to have a large presence in her life.

“He was amazing - he was completely paralysed on his left side, but he was always fully engaged with whatever was happening, and he was a constant source of light and inspiration for me.”

Initially, Grey set out to study paediatrics, but once she entered medical school, she developed an interest in mental health, focusing on psychiatry for a time.

She soon became aware of the wider determinants causing ill health, and this took her down her chosen path.

“I was doing psychiatry and medicine in general and I noticed that often the causes of ill health, whether it be physical or mental, are very much rooted in wider determinants, such as poverty and other stressors.

“I thought that if I could change the system, that would stop people having to access services in the first place. I wanted to make broader changes allowing more people to just really help people to thrive and be well - that's how I got into public health.”

Grey says the appeal of public health was its diverse nature and also working with many amazing individuals, passionate about their work.

“Public health has always felt like home. It’s a space where collaboration thrives - where multiple brains and perspectives are essential to solving complex issues.”

Asked to describe her role as Public Health Director for young children, Grey spoke about helping organisations create environments to keep people healthy; that help people to thrive and live longer, while having access to good healthcare.

“It's about giving people tools, creating environments, so that people can be well; that their families can be well, and they can live longer, happier and healthier lives.”

Grey was encouraging of young people to pursue a health-related career, emphasising its rewarding nature from making a difference to communities.

“My parents always told me, “Just work hard and let your work speak for itself.”

That mindset carried her through the University of Auckland, where she was fortunate to be supported through medical school by incredible mentors such as Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga and the late Professor Sitaleki Finau.

She was also deeply grateful for the support from Professor Rod Jackson, Professor Susan Wells, and Honorary Professor Andrew Kerr while completing her doctoral research. Grey’s research background helps bridge the gap between evidence and policy, ensuring that findings are translated into real-world impact.

She says the right piece of evidence can be incredibly powerful. She recalls being at a conference with Consultant Paediatrician Associate Professor Dame Teuila Percival DNZM QSO, reminding the audience that having just one supportive adult can change a child’s life trajectory.

“That message stuck with me. Whether it’s my own children or others in my workplace or community, I’m always asking: How can I be that person for someone else?”

She says her mother Toreka has been her biggest cheerleader.

“She’s been through a lot, but she’s the happiest person I know and always sees the bright side. Her unwavering support, along with my husband and kids who keep me laughing, has been my foundation. I’ve been lucky to have many cheerleaders in life, and I believe in paying that forward.”

“If I could say one thing to young people - take opportunities, let people support you, and always find ways to give back.

“Public health is a powerful path - one where your work can truly make a difference.”