PMA Knowledge Hub to operate out of recently launched Centre for Pacific & Global Health
Updates / News, 19 Apr 23
The University of Auckland's Centre for Pacific and Global Health (Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa) has officially launched and is the first university research centre dedicated to Pacific health; the centre's mission is to transform and positively impact health in the Pacific region and globally. Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group Board Director and Associate Dean Pacific for the University of Auckland's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Administration, Sir Collin Tukuitonga, will be one of the three health researchers at the forefront of leading the centre.

The centre is one of seven new research centres at the University of Auckland and is monumental for Pacific health in New Zealand and the Pacific region, says Sir Collin Tukuitonga. 

"We don't underestimate the challenge before us and this is our effort towards better understanding the challenges that we have and to work with various communities to try and find some solutions.  

"The inequities we see here for both Pasifika and Māori is unacceptable. We have the resources and the knowledge yet the outcomes are disappointing. The centre is an opportunity for us to undertake projects and research regarding the health and wellbeing of Pacific communities here in Aotearoa and in the Pacific Islands." 

A number of projects and initiatives will operate out of the Centre for Pacific and Global Health, including the PMA's Knowledge Hub. PMA Director for Performance and Evaluation, Seini Jensen, presented on the work and vision of the hub alongside Knowledge Hub Programme Manager, Sam Pilisi.  

"The Knowledge Hub is really about looking at the vision of establishing and enabling Pacific people to live longer, better lives in New Zealand and the region. The way in which we want to achieve that vision is through four different goals. 

"This will be to build the research capacity and capability of Pacific researchers, undertake Pacific led research and scholarship in Pacific health and social outcomes, place emphasis on workforce best practice for practitioners and developing a centre of excellence to deliver research excellence for Pacific health and social outcomes in New Zealand and the Pacific region." 

Mr Pilisi reiterated the importance of the partnership with PMA. 

"We're really grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the PMA Group, who have an extensive reach into our communities. It's important for us to push research but it's also important for us to keep our eyes and ears on the ground. 

"The collaboration is an important partnership for us to inform what we do and we look forward to the work we'll be able to carry out together."