Pacific research leadership shines at Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa symposium

A wintry, rain-soaked day in Auckland set the scene for a powerful gathering of Pacific leaders, researchers and communities at the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Centre for Pacific and Global Health Research Symposium 2026.

Held at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland’s Fale Pasifika on 24 June, the symposium drew a full house, bringing together voices from across the region and reflecting a growing movement of Pacific-led research.

Opening the event, Co-Director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga welcomed participants both in person and online, reflecting on the significance of the moment.

“It’s a blessing to welcome you all,” he said, noting that while the rain across Tāmaki Makaurau might feel disruptive, it’s also “a blessing” - particularly for Pacific nations like Niue, where drought is a constant reality.

His remarks set the tone for an ambitious programme - one that showcased both the depth and breadth of Pacific research while emphasising the importance of collective space and shared knowledge.

This year’s theme, Insights to Action: Research that strengthens health and solutions across Aotearoa and the Pacific, marks what Sir Collin described as a maturing moment.

“What we are seeing now is Pacific research coming into its own - shaped by our values, accountable to our communities, and focused on real-world impact.”

Keynote and plenary insights

The keynote address was delivered by gynaecological oncologist Dr Ai Ling Tan CNZM (University of Sydney), whose work spans public health, Pacific communities, and intergenerational care across borders.

She spoke passionately about geography as a critical barrier to access - shaping care pathways and survival outcomes for Pacific women - while highlighting the realities of women’s cancers and the urgent need to build long-term capacity across the Pacific.

Plenary speaker Professor Robyn Whittaker, Co-Director of TRANSFORM Research Centre at the University of Auckland, offered compelling insights into the role of artificial intelligence in health. She highlighted the transformative potential of predictive analytics, machine vision, and generative AI to reshape healthcare delivery and improve access, particularly within Pacific communities. She also stressed the importance of addressing bias, data limitations and governance to ensure equitable outcomes.

Across keynote sessions, panels and concurrent streams, a clear vision emerged:

• Pacific researchers leading their own work
• Communities shaping research priorities
• Knowledge generated by the Pacific, for the Pacific

With multiple sessions running concurrently, attendees navigated a rich and ambitious programme - evidence of the strong demand for Pacific-led spaces to share knowledge, innovation and lived experience.

Eliminating cervical cancer: a defining opportunity

A central focus of the symposium was the panel Women’s Health: Eliminating Cervical Cancer in the Pacific facilitated by Dr Audrey Aumua, CEO Fred Hollows Foundation NZ. The discussion brought both urgency and optimism to one of the region’s most pressing health challenges.

Panellist Professor Bev Lawton highlighted strong uptake of HPV self-testing:

• Around 79–82 percent of Pacific women are choosing self-testing
• Approximately one in ten tests are HPV-positive, reinforcing the need for follow-up care

Self-testing is helping overcome long-standing barriers, including access, time constraints and whakamā, while empowering women to take control of their health.

However, speakers also underscored the need to strengthen treatment systems. Dr Ai Ling Tan highlighted gaps in infrastructure - particularly limited access to radiotherapy - and the complexities of transferring patients overseas for care.

Mental health: relationships at the centre

The panel on Mental Health Across the Pacific, facilitated by Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Fonoi'a Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, reinforced the importance of trust, relationships and community engagement.

Insights from research in Sāmoa, the Cook Islands and across the region highlighted:
• Ongoing stigma and sensitivities in data collection
• The importance of language, translation and cultural context
• The need for meaningful, representative data

Despite these challenges, a clear message emerged: Pacific communities are willing to engage when approached with care, respect and authenticity. Strong relationships with local leaders were identified as essential - not only for research success but for building long-term capability across the region.

Climate crisis and wellbeing: interconnected futures

The symposium also explored Climate Crisis: Implications for Wellbeing, the panel was facilitated by Li’amanaia Dr Roannie Ng Shiu. Speakers emphasised that climate change is not an abstract issue - it is already shaping the daily realities of Pacific communities:

• Rising sea levels and extreme weather affecting mental and physical wellbeing
• Increasing strain on healthcare systems
• Deep connections between wellbeing, land, ocean and identity

The panel called for holistic, culturally grounded responses that recognise climate change as a fundamental determinant of health.

Culture, trust and access

Across sessions, a consistent message emerged: effective solutions must reflect Pacific realities.

Cultural values - including privacy, modesty and deeply held beliefs - continue to shape how communities engage with healthcare. Without culturally responsive systems, access and outcomes will remain inequitable.

Speakers called for:
• Increased Māori and Pacific representation in the health workforce
• Greater cultural competency in care delivery
• Services designed around Pacific values and lived experience

Plenary speaker and Director of Public Health Dr Corina Grey closed the symposium with a forward-looking reflection. She emphasised that while AI and rapid change are reshaping the health landscape, the future depends on strengthening uniquely human capabilities - curiosity, adaptability, resilience and emotional intelligence - to guide ethical and equitable decision-making.

She also pointed to the growing, youthful Pacific population and the need for a workforce that is representative, community-connected and responsive to changing health needs.

A shared vision for the future

As the day drew to a close, a strong sense of momentum remained. The symposium not only highlighted the challenges ahead, but also clarified the pathways forward.

Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga captured the collective spirit:
“We have the knowledge, we have the tools, and we have strong leadership in the Pacific. The task now is to align our efforts and move forward together.”