All our work would not be possible without the amazing support and guidance of the following Pacific committees. We thank all committee members for their contributions and ongoing support of Pacific developments in the Division of Health Sciences.
The University of Otago Pacific Strategic Framework 2022-2030 guides our work.
Pacific Advisory Group (PAG)
The Pacific Advisory Group provides advice to the Associate Dean (Pacific), Va'a o Tautai, on matters that support the Division of Health Sciences engagement with the Pacific Community, aligned with the Pacific Strategic Framework. The Group works primarily in Dunedin campus and recognises local community contexts that support activities in Christchurch and Wellington campuses.
Members of the Pacific Advisory Group
- Mr Peni Qauqau (Chair) – Fiji
- Aiono Mino Cleverley – Samoa
- Mrs Koleti Ikahihifo – Tokelau
- Mrs Maria Lucas – Kiribati
- Mrs Keni Moeroa – Cook Islands
- Mr Afamasaga Pavihi – Samoa
- Mrs Finau Taungapeau – Tonga
- Faumuina Professor Fa'afetai Sopoaga
- Malama Tafuna'i
- Fran Cockerell
- Dr Xaviour Walker
Pacific Reference Group (PRG)
The Pacific Reference Group is a high level group of University of Otago Pacific alumni and other senior colleagues. It provides advice to the Division of Health Sciences Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Associate Deans (Pacific), on strategic issues relevant to the University of Otago's Pacific engagement and service in New Zealand and the region.
- Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences (Chair)
- Division of Health Sciences Associate Dean (Pacific)
- Director Public Health, Secretariat Pacific Community, Noumea
- Chief Advisor Pacific, Ministry of Health
- Principal Advisor Pacific, Pacific Operations Directorate, Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
- Dean, School of Nursing and Medicine, Fiji National University
- Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Le Papaigalagala, NUS, Samoa
- President, Pasifika Medical Association
- Manager, Pacific Islands Centre, University of Otago
- Director, Pacific Development, University of Otago
- Director, International Office, University of Otago
- Pacific Manager, Counties Manukau, DHB
- Secretary of Health, Cook Islands
- Pacific Nations Liaison, Va’a o Tautai
- Public Health Specialist (Dr Ate Moala)
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialist, Middlemore Hospital (Dr Kara Okesene)
- Associate Dean (Pacific), University of Otago, Wellington
- Associate Dean (Pacific), Dunedin School of Medicine
Pacific Strategic Group (PSG)
The Pacific Strategic Group supports the Division of Health Sciences Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the Divisional Executive in leading Pacific strategic developments.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Health Sciences chairs the Pacific Strategic Group, which drives strategic direction and development throughout the Division of Health Sciences. Members of this group are nominated by the Deans of each Faculty or School within the Division.
Members of the Pacific Strategic Group
- Professor Patricia Priest (Chair), Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Division of Health Sciences
- Professor Joanna Baxter Dean, Dunedin School of Medicine
- Professor Paul Cooper Dean, Faculty of Dentistry
- Ratu Dr Osea Gavidi Associate Dean (Pacific), Faculty of Dentistry
- Professor Neil Gemmell Dean, School of Biomedical Sciences
- Professor Leigh Hale Dean, School of Physiotherapy
- Professor Roslyn Kemp Associate Dean (Research), Division of Health Sciences
- Professor William Levack Dean and Head of Campus, University of Otago, Wellington
- Dr Kiki Maoate Associate Dean (Pacific), University of Otago, Christchurch
- Professor Carlo Marra Dean, School of Pharmacy
- Professor Suzanne Pitama Dean and Head of Campus, University of Otago, Christchurch
- Associate Professor Rose Richards Va'a o Tautai – Centre for Pacific Health
- Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu Associate Dean (Pacific), University of Otago, Wellington
- Faumuina Professor Fa'afetai Sopoaga Va'a o Tautai – Centre for Pacific Health
- Professor Lois Surgenor Associate Dean (Academic), Division of Health Sciences
- Associate Professor Joel Tyndall, Associate Dean (International), Division of Health Sciences
- Dr Xaviour Walker Associate Dean (Pacific), Division of Health Sciences
- Professor Tim Wilkinson Acting Dean, Otago Medical School
- Tagiilima Feleti Manager, Pacific Islands Centre
- Fran Cockerell Manager, Va'a o Tautai
Takiala Pacific Leadership Network
Takiala is the Tokelauan word for 'guide'
The Takiala Pacific Health Leadership Network comprises all the Associate Deans Pacific in the Division of Health Sciences. This group provides the strategic leadership for Pacific development and regional engagement for the Division.
Members of the Takiala Pacific Leadership Network
- Dr Xaviour Walker, Associate Dean Pacific, Division of Health Sciences
- Dr Letava Tafuna’i , Associate Dean Pacific, Dunedin School of Medicine
- Dr Kiki Maote, Associate Dean Pacific, University of Otago, Christchurch
- Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu, Associate Dean Pacific, University of Otago, Wellington
- Vacant position, Associate Dean Pacific, School of Pharmacy
- Charleen Silcock, Associate Dean Pacific, School of Physiotherapy
- Dr Latika Samalia, Associate Dean Pacific (Academic), School of Biomedical Sciences
- Dr Allamanda Fa’atoese, Associate Dean Pacific (Strategic), School of Biomedical Sciences
- Dr Htin Lin Aung, Associate Dean Pacific (Research), School of Biomedical Sciences
- Professor Darryl Tong, Associate Dean Pacific, Faculty of Dentistry
