Niue-born professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga takes Pacific health case to global bodies

Regional

The University of Auckland says Sir Collin Tukuitonga, co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, has spent the past year arguing the Pacific offers solutions on climate and health. He was named President-Elect of the World Obesity Federation in August.

Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa at the University of Auckland

Source: Simon Young/University of Auckland

Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, who was born in Niue and is co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, has spent much of the past year arguing that the Pacific offers solutions to global problems rather than simply facing them, the university said.

The university released his profile to mark Niue Language Week in New Zealand, held under the theme "Gahua auloa ke fakaako fakamalolo e Vagahau Niue" — working together to diligently teach and strengthen Vagahau Niue.

Tukuitonga, who is from Alofi, has worked on climate change, public health, Indigenous knowledge and equity. He said the aim is to support healthier and more resilient Pacific communities while making sure Pacific voices help shape the future of global health.

In Fiji he joined regional leaders, researchers and policymakers ahead of COP31 climate discussions and spoke about the health benefits of climate action and the place of Pacific leadership in global responses to environmental change.

He said Pacific peoples have long practised resilience, stewardship and collective responsibility, and that those are values the world needs as it deals with climate change, food insecurity and widening inequalities.

Pacific innovation is not new, Tukuitonga said, pointing to the Treaty of Rarotonga, Pacific leadership on climate justice, community-led marine conservation in Niue and Pacific-centred health research as evidence the region has led change for decades.

Earlier in 2026 he called for the public release of an independent review into the Maori and Pacific Admissions Scheme. He said the programme has been important in growing the Maori and Pacific health workforce, and that Pacific and Maori doctors are more likely to serve their own communities and populations the health system has under-served.

In August he was appointed President-Elect of the World Obesity Federation. He has spoken about rising obesity rates across the Pacific and the need for action that supports healthy local food systems and reduces dependence on ultra-processed foods.

Speaking at the 2026 Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Research Symposium, Tukuitonga said Pacific research is increasingly shaped by Pacific values, accountable to Pacific communities and focused on real-world impact. He sees Pacific-led work, from cervical cancer elimination to mental health and climate resilience research, as essential to lasting change.

He is also chair of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, where the university said he is helping build Pacific scientific leadership and pathways for future Pacific researchers. He has consistently called for Pacific peoples to speak with authority on issues affecting the region, it said.