Le Tautua Alumni receives research award

Earlier this year, Le Va facilitated Le Tautua Alumni leadership programme; “O le ala i le pule, o le tautua (The pathway to authority is through service)”.  Le Va supports Pacific leaders to develop their unique cultural leadership perspectives and enhance their leadership and management skills. The focus is on contemporary execution of traditional values and knowledge in practice – in clinical, cultural, and community contexts.

We were not surprised to hear that Le Tautua alumni, Dr Byron Seiuli, has been recognised by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, for his significant contribution to supporting, in particular, Pacific men facing trauma and mental health challenges. 

In keeping with the Va, we connected with Dr Byron Seiuli to hear what he had to say:

“As a Pasifika PhD and Postdoctoral award recipient of HRC, I was invited to give a public lecture on my research work with Pasifika communities, recognising the relationship between the University of Waikato and HRC for 25 years. I was also informed that two HRC awards would be given to recognise outstanding contributions to research from University of Waikato staff. It came as a real surprise when I was called out for the “Outstanding contribution to health research excellence by an emerging researcher” among other outstanding research contributions. I give God all the glory.

For my work to be recognised with this award is both humbling and unexpected. It’s God’s reminder to me that; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). In many ways, HRC’s acknowledgment is also a recognition of Pasifika-focused research that underlies the importance of Pasifika people’s health, and the contribution made by Pasifika research and health knowledge to holistic wellbeing. I hope this award serves as a reminder and encouragement to our Pasifika community of researchers and health professionals that our toil is not in vain. Our work will be recognised for its value and impact to New Zealand as a nation. I am humbled and privileged to serve our Pasifika communities. As the Samoan proverb reiterates: O le ala i le pule o le tautua – the path to leadership must be traversed through service. Malo le tauivi ma le fa’amalosi. Ia manuia.” 

Dr Byron Seiuli, your service to our Pasifika community is highly valued, and we honour and acknowledge your contribution to date.  May your research continue to enhance the prosperity and potential of all our Pasifika people.

Fa’afetai tele lava.

Your Le Va aiga potopoto.

Read the HRC media release for more information about Byron’s research.