In his address, Sir Collin reflected on his journey from Niue to international public health leadership, highlighting key moments shaped by faith, family, and a deep commitment to equity across the Pacific. Born in Niue, he left at age 16 on a New Zealand government scholarship to study medicine in Fiji, later returning home to serve in primary care and public health. His involvement in the 1985 dengue outbreak in Niue led to his first academic publication and sparked a lifelong focus on public health.

Throughout his career, Sir Collin has championed Pacific health policy and leadership, authoring the first comprehensive report on Pacific health in New Zealand, co-founding the Pacific Heartbeat programme, and helping establish institutions such as The Fono and the Pasifika Medical Association. He also held key roles with the WHO and served as Director-General of the Pacific Community.

Speaking at the lecture, Pasifika Medical Association Group CEO, Debbie Sorensen ONZM, praised Sir Collin’s impact, calling him “a man of principle, a son of the Pacific, and an overachiever from Niue.” She highlighted his sharp advocacy, mentorship of Pacific leaders, and role in securing PMA $2million to support Pacific postgraduate students.

Sir Collin called for bold investment in culturally grounded health systems, stating New Zealand’s system continues to underserve Māori, Pacific, and rural communities.

“We need services that look like us, understand us, and are for our people,” he said.