Son of Niue carries Pacific wisdom onto global stage

Celebrating Niue Language Week: "Gahua auloa ke fakaako fakamalolō e Vagahau Niue" - Working together to diligently teach and strengthen Vagahau Niue.

One of Niue’s most distinguished sons, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga has long been a champion of not only Niue but all Pacific voices on some of the world's most pressing challenges, from climate change and public health to Indigenous knowledge and equity.

"We want to support healthier and more resilient Pacific communities while ensuring Pacific voices help shape the future of global health."

Born in Niue and now co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa at the University of Auckland, Sir Collin (Alofi) has spent much of the past year travelling across the Pacific and internationally, sharing a message that is both simple and powerful: the Pacific is not merely a region facing global challenges, it is a region offering solutions.

Recently in Fiji, Sir Collin joined regional leaders, researchers and policymakers ahead of COP31 climate discussions, where he spoke about the health benefits of climate action and the importance of Pacific leadership in shaping global responses to environmental change.

He argued that Pacific peoples have long practised resilience, stewardship and collective responsibility, values the world increasingly needs as it confronts climate change, food insecurity and widening inequalities.

Pacific innovation is not new says Sir Collin. He points to examples such as the Treaty of Rarotonga, Pacific leadership on climate justice, community-led marine conservation in Niue, and Pacific-centred health research as evidence that the region has been leading transformative change for decades.

His advocacy also extends to health equity closer to home. Earlier this year, Sir Collin called for the public release of an independent review into the Māori and Pacific Admissions Scheme (MAPAS), arguing the programme has played a crucial role in growing the Māori and Pacific health workforce and addressing long-standing health inequities.

He says Pacific and Māori doctors are more likely to serve their communities and help meet the needs of populations historically under-served by the health system.

Health of Pacific peoples remains a major priority

In August, Sir Collin was appointed President-Elect of the World Obesity Federation, bringing Pacific expertise to a global organisation tackling one of the leading health challenges of our time. He has spoken openly about the rising rates of obesity across the Pacific and the need for bold action that supports healthy local food systems and reduces dependence on ultra-processed foods.

At the heart of his work is a belief that Pacific communities already hold much of the knowledge required to improve wellbeing. Speaking at the 2026 Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Research Symposium, Sir Collin said Pacific research is increasingly being shaped by Pacific values, accountable to Pacific communities and focused on real-world impact. From cervical cancer elimination initiatives to mental health and climate resilience research, he sees Pacific-led solutions as essential to achieving lasting change.

As Chair of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, Sir Collin is also helping strengthen Pacific scientific leadership and create pathways for future generations of Pacific researchers and innovators. At a time when Pacific nations face complex challenges involving climate change, health and geopolitics, he has consistently called for Pacific peoples to speak with confidence and authority on issues affecting the region.

For the Niuean community at home and diaspora in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Sir Collin's journey reflects the enduring values of service, collective wellbeing and leadership. His work reminds us that while Niue may be one of the world's smallest nations, its people continue to make a profound contribution on the global stage.