AI in Health: scholar brings clarity and caution to Pacific symposium

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming health systems worldwide, but for Māori and Pacific communities, ensuring it is safe, equitable and effective remains a critical challenge.

That message was at the heart of an insightful plenary address by Professor Robyn Whittaker, Co-Director of the University of Auckland’s TRANSFORM Research Centre, at the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Research Symposium 2026, held last week at the Fale Pasifika on 24 June.

Speaking to an audience of researchers, clinicians, health professionals, students and Pacific community members, Professor Whittaker demystified AI by outlining its current uses in healthcare, its growing capabilities, and its significant limitations - particularly for Indigenous populations.

“AI tools in health broadly fall into three areas - predictive analytics, computer vision, and generative AI,” Professor Whittaker explained. “Each offers enormous promise, but none are infallible, and all require careful consideration in how they are designed, implemented and used.”

She highlighted how predictive algorithms were used during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify Pacific patients most at risk of hospitalisation, allowing community hubs to prioritise care. However, she cautioned that such tools rely heavily on high-quality, locally relevant data and robust digital infrastructure.

“These tools must be developed and tested in the local context to be useful for our communities,” she said.

Whittaker also pointed to advances in AI-powered imaging technologies, such as retinal screening tools that can be deployed in community settings. While these innovations have the potential to improve access to care, she noted ongoing barriers including outdated systems, implementation challenges, and community trust.

She emphasised that many AI systems used globally are trained on datasets that do not adequately represent Māori and Pacific populations.

“It is very unlikely these tools have been properly tested on Māori and Pacific communities,” she said. “There is still significant work needed to ensure they perform well for our people.”

The rise of generative AI - including tools like ChatGPT - was described as a “game changer,” but also a “Wild West” environment, with systems trained on vast and largely unregulated internet data. Professor Whittaker warned that such tools are inherently probabilistic rather than factual, meaning they can produce convincing but inaccurate outputs.

Despite their potential - such as reducing clinician workload through AI-generated clinical notes - she stressed that all outputs must be carefully checked and governed.

“We are particularly concerned about bias, data sovereignty, and the control of Indigenous data,” she said.

Whittaker underscored the urgency of establishing strong governance frameworks, noting that New Zealand - and many Pacific nations - currently lack specific legislation regulating AI in healthcare.

Her team has been leading national efforts to evaluate AI tools through a multidisciplinary expert advisory group, with a focus on safety, ethics, equity, and Pacific perspectives.

“There is huge potential, but also huge pitfalls. We need to work together to ensure AI is implemented in ways that are safe, ethical, and equitable for all,” she said.

Co-Director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, said Professor Whittaker’s contribution was both timely and vital for Pacific health.

“Professor Whittaker brings a rare combination of technical expertise and a deep commitment to equity. Her insights help us understand not only what AI can do, but what it must do differently to serve Pacific peoples well,” he said.

“For our communities, this is not just about innovation - it is about ensuring new technologies do not widen existing inequities, but instead support better, fairer health outcomes across the Pacific.”

The Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Research Symposium continues to provide an important platform for Indigenous-led research, collaboration, and dialogue, with a strong focus on advancing health equity for Pacific peoples