Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa at the University of Auckland has become the World Health Organization's newest Collaborating Centre. The designation recognises the centre's Pacific-led research on climate change and noncommunicable diseases.
The Centre for Pacific and Global Health earned the WHO designation just three years after its establishment. It will formally launch as a WHO Collaborating Centre on 10 September 2026 at the University of Auckland campus.
WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Saia Maʻu Piukala will attend the launch alongside regional leaders and policymakers. The designation positions Pacific researchers at the forefront of global health efforts addressing climate and disease challenges.
What is te poutoko ora a kiwa's WHO designation for?
The WHO designation recognises the centre's work on noncommunicable diseases and climate change. These interconnected challenges disproportionately affect Pacific peoples across the region and diaspora.
Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, called the recognition an immense honour. The designation strengthens the centre's ability to work directly with Pacific countries on critical health issues.
"To be recognised by the World Health Organization as a Collaborating Centre so soon after our establishment is an immense honour," Sir Collin said.
"It reflects the commitment of our teams and partners, and the strength of Pacific led research grounded in our values, knowledge systems and lived experience. This designation strengthens our ability to work alongside Pacific countries on the issues that matter most to our peoples."
Dr Piukala emphasised Pacific communities face the frontline impacts of climate change while managing growing rates of noncommunicable diseases. The WHO partnership will support evidence-based solutions tailored to Pacific contexts.
How will the centre tackle pacific health challenges?
Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa has launched a $5.1 million cervical cancer elimination project across the Pacific. The Matariki Fund initiative works with the Australian Government-funded EPICC programme and New Zealand's Polynesian Health Corridors.
The cervical cancer project aligns with WHO's global elimination strategy while adapting to specific Pacific health systems. The centre partners directly with Pacific governments and regional organisations on prevention and systems change.
"Pacific communities are on the frontline of climate change and the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases. Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa brings vital Pacific knowledge, leadership, and innovation to this work, and WHO is proud to recognise the Centre as a Collaborating Centre supporting countries across the Western Pacific region," Dr Piukala said.
This designation strengthens our ability to work alongside Pacific countries on the issues that matter most to our peoples.
The centre operates with multiple co-directors including Professor Judith McCool, Dr Li'amanaia Roannie Ng Shiu, and Dr Karaponi Okesene-Gafa. Dr Okesene-Gafa heads the University of Auckland's Pacific Health department.
What does WHO collaborating centre status mean?
WHO Collaborating Centres form a global network of over 800 institutions across 80 countries. The designation allows Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa to directly support WHO's regional and global health initiatives.
The centre will build research capacity across Pacific nations. It will inform policy development on climate health impacts and support evidence-based interventions for noncommunicable diseases.
As a WHO centre, Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa gains access to international expertise and resources. The partnership enables Pacific-led solutions to reach global audiences while maintaining cultural relevance.
Why does pacific health leadership matter globally?
Pacific island nations experience climate change impacts years before larger countries. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events and changing disease patterns affect Pacific communities first.
The centre's research draws on Pacific knowledge systems and lived experiences. This approach produces culturally relevant solutions with global application potential.
Operations Manager Nalei Taufa works alongside the co-directors to coordinate the centre's expanding portfolio. The team has built partnerships across the Pacific region in just three years of operation.
The designation marks the first time a Pacific-focused university centre has achieved WHO Collaborating Centre status for this specific health focus. It positions Auckland as a hub for Pacific health innovation and research leadership.
What happens next for pacific health research?
The 10 September 2026 launch will bring together Pacific health ministers and international partners. The event will outline the centre's expanded role in regional health systems strengthening.
Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa plans to scale its cervical cancer elimination work across more Pacific nations. The centre will develop new research programmes addressing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental health in climate-affected communities.
The WHO partnership opens doors for Pacific researchers to influence global health policy. Young Pacific health professionals will access training and mentorship through the centre's expanded networks.
The designation arrives as Pacific nations prepare for increased climate-related health challenges. Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa's research will inform adaptation strategies that protect vulnerable populations while building resilient health systems across the Pacific region.
