Sir Collin named for two prestigious roles, following Te Whatu Ora departure

Following Sir Collin Tukuitonga’s surprise resignation as the chair of Te Whatu Ora’s National Health Pacific Senate, it has not taken long for his expertise to be called on elsewhere.

Today it has been announced that Sir Collin has been made a Fellow by the International Science Council (ISC) and he will also chair a transition team that will guide the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) incoming Western Pacific Regional Director, Tongan surgeon Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala.

In recognition for his outstanding contribution to promoting science as a global public good, the Auckland University Associate Professor of Population Health joins over 100 Fellows, and two honorary Fellows from around the world appointed on 19 December, which is the highest
honour conferred by the ISC.

Sir Collin has been a long-standing health champion for Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand and he was quick to acknowledge his colleagues and family for supporting him following the announcement.

“It is indeed a great honour to become a Fellow with the International Science Council but recognition at this level comes because of the people who I work with and especially my family.”

Proudly tagata Niue, the public health academic supported the previous government on its Covid-19 response for the Pacific communities, resulting in that cohort’s high vaccination rates.

His second recent appointment is to be supporting Dr Piukala as he prepares to take on one of WHO’s top roles in this part of the world.

Dr Piukala was nominated in October and will be formally appointed to the role next month. Sir Collin will chair a transition team helping to guide the incoming Regional Director. Dr Piukala says he’s looking forward to working with Sir Collin.

“I have invited Sir Dr Collin Tukuitonga to chair the transition team … I look forward to meeting everyone next week and tapping into your collective wisdom to guide my transition into this challenging but no doubt rewarding role.”

Sir Collin will lead a group of representatives from across Japan, Singapore, Philippines, Fiji, Tonga, Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand and he says he was honoured at the invitation to chair the transition team.

“This will certainly be a busier period than normally at this time of the year but this work is crucial for the WHO to continue its invaluable work to improve health outcomes for the
region."