Revitalising global and Pacific health

“As climate change continues to reshape our world, Pacific communities face unique challenges that demand innovative health solutions.” – Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa.

In June, members of Le Va’s Public Health and Mental Health & Addiction teams were privileged to attend the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa (Centre for Pacific and Global Health) Research Symposium – ‘From Vulnerability to Vitality: Global and Pacific Health responses in a changing climate’ at the University of Auckland’s Fale Pasifika.

The day brought together distinguished health leaders, Pacific researchers, health professionals and changemakers committed to advancing wellbeing and equity through Pacific-led knowledge, solutions and innovation.

Le Va’s Pasifika Equity Lead, Pakilau Manase Lua, gave a presentation on “Making Our Moana Healthy Again” as part of the Pacific Leadership stream, and the team was honoured to attend Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga’s inaugural professorial lecture, celebrating his service and leadership in Pacific and global health.

It was an inspiring day and wonderful for our team to reconnect with many of the presenters from Le Va’s recent Global Pacific Solutions 2025 conference, continuing the vital conversations around climate, culture and community.

Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa was established in April 2023 as the first University research centre dedicated to Pacific and global health solutions and leadership. With Prof. Sir Collin Tukuitonga at the helm, its mission is to transform and impact health for Pacific people in Aotearoa, in the Pacific region and globally.

For more than 16 years, Le Va’s purpose has been to support people of the moana to unleash their full potential. We do this by carefully designing and developing evidence-based resources, tools and support services for the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes.

Together, we move from vulnerability to vitality, driving action for thriving Pacific communities.