The University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka notes with great sadness the passing of Emeritus Professor John Broughton CNZM (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu Ki Heretaunga) yesterday.
Professor Broughton dedicated more than 40 years of his professional academic life to the advancement of health science and Māori health at the University. He was a Professor in the Department of Preventative and Social Medicine and Associate Dean Māori for the School of Dentistry.
Emeritus Professor John Broughton
Among his many achievements was the introduction and development of hauora Māori curriculum in health professional courses, and as the inaugural Director of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit.
He was awarded a PhD in 2006 following a doctoral thesis in Māori oral health and became Professor in 2012. Following his retirement in 2020, he remained dedicated to the University, contributing to the community in a variety of ways, including providing a welcome at almost every graduation ceremony.
A highlight of his research was the International Collaborative Indigenous Health Research Partnership, ‘Reducing disease burden and health inequalities arising from chronic dental disease among Indigenous children: an early childhood caries intervention’.
In 2020 Professor Broughton was awarded the status of Emeritus Professor for his distinguished and long service to the University. In 2025 the University awarded Professor Broughton an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding career and contribution to healthcare and Māori advancement.
In addition to his outstanding academic career, Professor Broughton was an award-winning playwright whose work brought te ao Māori to stages in Aotearoa and overseas. He also served for many decades in the New Zealand Territorial Force as a commissioned officer and was recognised with the Efficiency Decoration. And he was a dedicated member and supporter of the Otago University Rugby Football Club.
University of Otago Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson says Professor Broughton’s immense contribution to the advancement of Māori health, dental healthcare and preventative and social medicine will forever live on in the students he taught, the research he pioneered, and the knowledge he imparted.
“The many gifts he had, he shared with intelligence and grace, enhancing our collective understanding and contributing to a better Aotearoa. The ora John planted will continue to bloom, as it was sown in every clinician who benefited from his mahi. We will miss him greatly.”
Our thoughts are with his whānau, hapu, iwi and wider community of friends at this time.
Moe mai rā, okioki mai e te rakatira.