Village

ABOUT

​

Dr. Radilaite Cammock is the Deputy Associate Dean (Pacific Advancement) and senior lecturer at
Auckland University of Technology, specializing in Public Health and Pacific Health. For nearly a
decade, Dr. Cammock has delved into health research in both New Zealand and Fiji. She's a
champion for research on things that matter, like Pacific Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health,
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Pacific Food Systems, Pacific Youth Empowerment, as well
as Pacific Health Research Design and Methodology. She is also the guru behind the Postgraduate
Public Health programme, leading the charge in coordinating postgraduate certificates, diplomas,
and master's degrees. Dr. Cammock is committed to inspiring change through research and
students!

ABOUT

​

Professor El-Shadan Tautolo is a powerhouse in researching the health and well-being of Pacific
families in New Zealand. With a PhD and Postdoctoral expertise, he's skilled in both numbers (think
generalised estimating equations) and stories (cue focus group interviews). As the Director of the
Pacific Islands Families (PIF) Study, he's leading a crew studying 1398 Pacific families, covering topics
from child and maternal health to tobacco control and mental well-being. Professor Dan is not just
about theory; he's making a real impact with research projects funded by HRC, MBiE, & the National
Science Challenges, totaling over $20 million. He is a real health hero turning research into action.

ABOUT

​

Associate Professor Sione Vaka, currently the Poutumatua Pasifika (Tausisoifua) at the University of
Waikato, is the real MVP of the Nursing program. The position name was gifted by Leaupepe Peta
Karalus. It references the construction of a fale, where the Poutumatua is the main support
structure, possessing the strength and durability to keep the fale in an upright position. Dr. Vaka’s
story starts back in the early 90’s when became one of the first male nurses in Tonga, and after
migrating to New Zealand he worked for many years in the mental health sector. Dr. Vaka's mental
health game is on point too, with experience in acute inpatient care, early interventions, liaison
psychiatry, and cultural services. He's not just about the medical stuff; he dives into the cultural side,
exploring how mental distress affects Tongan people and pushing for a cultural approach to mental
health.

ABOUT

​

Tengihia Pousini is a devoted researcher and third-year medical student with a mission to make a
profound impact in health research. Achieving first-class honours in Disaster Management, she
demonstrates a keen understanding of health system resilience and humanitarian response. Beyond
her medical pursuits, Tengihia actively conducts research on Sexual and Reproductive health for

Pacific youth, advocating for improved mental healthcare access and primary care services. From
this project Tengihia hopes to empower youth in shaping a dynamic future healthcare workforce to
bridge the gap between research and practical solutions.

ABOUT

​

Pauliasi or Pau (as he prefers to be called) is a research assistant and youth advocate on our project.
A former Wesley College student, and now a Law student at AUT, Pau has developed a keen interest
in ensuring that his fellow pacific youth have access to the best information there is. He is not new
to the space saying that “I grew up with adults who worked in the medical industry, so nothing was
new no topic was left out, and it was actually Dr Ite and her team that made me appreciate just how
impactful those words were”. With a drive and passion to make real change, no matter how small,
Pau continues to juggle volunteering with several organisations, all while studying full time and part
time work. The youth of today are on a whole new level, and they will bring our community with
them!

ABOUT

​

Malcolm Andrews is a Humanitarian and Pacific Indigenous Psychology Researcher working towards
his PhD at Massey University. He has over 4 years of hands-on experience at the Auckland and
Waitemata District Health Boards as a Pacific Workforce Development Consultant. Through his
journey, Malcolm has deepened his expertise in the principles of Health and Wellbeing and
Workforce Development. He is equally passionate about establishing youth inclusive programmes,
creating a sense of belonging and voice for youth, influencing them to take control over the aspects
that determine their lives, thus making their community an even better place to live.