Ramil Adhikari – Principal Advisor | Hauora Māori Tūmatanui, National Public Health Service, Health NZ Ramil Adhikari is a public health professional with extensive experience in equity, community engagement, and health system response. He previously served as Principal Advisor for Equity and Community Engagement at the Ministry of Health during the COVID-19 response. Holding an MBBS, a Master’s and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, and a Certificate in Health Promotion, he is deeply committed to health advocacy and community well-being. Beyond his professional role, Ramil has actively contributed to the community for many years, including serving as Chairperson of the Public Health Association (Wellington). He currently contributes as President of the Nepalese Culture and Tourism Promotion Forum and as an advisor to multiple international Nepalese community organizations. He also serves as a board member of KiwiClass, a governance member of the Public Health Association of New Zealand, and an advisor to Te Kotuku e Rere at the Ministry of Health. Additionally, he is a Justice of the Peace and a White Ribbon Ambassador.

Dr Nadia Charania is an Associate Professor in Public Health, Co-Director of the Migrant and Refugee Health Research Centre, and Deputy Director of the New Zealand Policy Research Institute at the Auckland University of Technology. She completed her doctoral studies at the University of Waterloo in Canada before migrating to Aotearoa New Zealand. Nadia has research expertise in the areas of public health and infectious disease prevention and control. She specialises in qualitative and participatory action research. Her research programme is primarily directed towards reducing health inequities related to infectious diseases faced by marginalised populations, such as migrants and refugees and Indigenous populations. She is involved in research focused on pandemic planning and understanding how marginalised populations perceive and experience health services, specifically immunisations, and designing interventions for to improve vaccine uptake.

Dr Mamaeroa David is a Senior Māori Advisor at the Immunisation Advisory Centre and a dedicated educator in public health and Māori health. With extensive experience in health advocacy, immunisation, and education, Dr David plays a key role in strengthening Māori health outcomes and ensuring culturally responsive healthcare practices. Dr David holds multiple academic and professional roles within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland, including Academic Casual Staff in Population Health and Medicine and Formal Learning Facilitator in TKHM Teaching. Passionate about health equity and community engagement, Dr David’s work focuses on public health education, immunisation awareness, and Māori health advancement. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Dr David continues to contribute to shaping inclusive and effective health policies for Aotearoa.

Gail Duncan is a dedicated professional making a significant impact in public health and economics. With a strong foundation in microbiology, Gail seamlessly transitioned her career from food safety and compliance to the forefront of public health and economics. She holds a Master of Public Health and postgraduate qualifications in both fields, and in 2024 was welcomed as a professional member of Royal Society Te Apārangi. She has been instrumental in addressing critical issues such as homelessness, poverty, and public health, demonstrating a deep commitment to social equity and economic sustainability. In addition to her advocacy work, Gail is the founder of Ante Business Case Economics, a venture dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for all. Her global perspective, gained through participation in FIDIC International Infrastructure Conferences around the world, has strengthened her dedication to infrastructure development and climate change mitigation. Gail’s focus remains on creating a stronger, healthier New Zealand. She is passionate about driving policies that empower communities and improve lives.

Treza lives in Auckland and started her practice - Swansong - offering End of Life Doula services, in 2021.Her varied life experiences include nursing, producing, business owner, volunteering, and bringing up 2 children as a solo Mum. She is passionate about empowering people to live and die well, and to know the many options they have for their own personal journey, for both before and after death. She also sees how death-phobic we are in today’s society, and how much negative impact that has. When she is not working alongside her clients, she does ACP workshops, presentations to the public on all things dying and death, and supports the Mercy Hospice Compassionate Communities team. She is also Chair of the End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa, (ELDAA.org.nz), and is a leading figure in promoting this profession across NZ. Treza sees a future where Doulas are an integral part of end of life care in NZ. This role will support, educate and mobilise our communities to take the care of their sick and dying back into their home.

Jason is a Principal Advisor Lived Experience within the Oranga Hinengaro Team at Te Whatu Ora. He blends mātauranga Māori, lived experience, and strategic insight to tackle health sector challenges. With a focus on innovation, he explores creative, technological solutions using kaupapa Māori principles and contemporary methods.

Dr Cadence Kaumoana (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato, Ngāti Apakura, Te Ati Awa, Ngāti Pāoa) has an extensive background in executive leadership, strategic management, and governance & compliance. With a career grounded in public health, education, and community development, she is deeply committed to advancing health equity, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities across Aotearoa.Dr Kaumoana leads PHANZ through a time of transformation — strengthening the public health workforce, influencing national policy, and connecting global perspectives with local solutions. Her work is driven by a vision of a just, inclusive, and thriving Aotearoa where wellbeing is a right, not a privilege. Known for her strategic clarity and unwavering focus on equity, she is a catalyst for courageous conversations and bold systems change.

Professor Elizabeth Kerekere is a highly respected activist, leader and academic, in takatāpui and Rainbow communities. As a prominent figure in the development of Māori cultural frameworks, she created Te Whare Takatāpui, a vision of health and well-being for all takatāpui, queer and gender-diverse people. Professor Kerekere's work draws on her expertise in Māori culture, history, and community health to promote the well-being of whānau through the integration of cultural values with contemporary understandings of identity and gender. As a speaker, Professor Kerekere will bring her insights into the Te Whare Takatāpui framework, providing a deeper understanding of how Māori cultural concepts can be used to create inclusive environments in the health system, particularly for takatāpui, trans, non-binary and intersex people. Her upcoming webinar will introduce Te Whare Takatāpui and provide practical examples of how to apply it, based on the multiple research projects using this framework. 

Ulugia Lealailepule Edward Cowley, our MC for the day, will open the summit, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and collaboration. Dr. Cadence Kaumoana, CEO of PHANZ, will then welcome everyone to the summit, sharing her vision for a just and thriving Aotearoa, where health equity and wellbeing are central to all public health efforts. Following Dr. Kaumoana, Co-President Gail Duncan will introduce herself and offer an overview of the work of the PHANZ Council, including key initiatives and the strategic direction of the organisation. We will also hear from Dr. Angelique Reweti, Chair of the Māori Caucus, who will discuss the ongoing work of the Māori Caucus in advancing Māori health, culture, and community-driven solutions to public health challenges. This opening session will set the tone for a collaborative and inspiring day ahead, creating a foundation for meaningful dialogue and connection among attendees.

Kotalo is Samoan (Sataoa, Letogo, Solosolo), Tuvaluan (Nanumea) and still to discover her Niuean and Hawaiian roots. Kotalo was born in Papakura and raised in the heart of South Auckland Manurewa. She also spents a few years in the PIU-tiful Piu, Falealili Samoa where her parents are EFKS/CCCS Faife’au (Church Ministers). Kotalo’s villages here in New Zealand are her family churches EFKS Manurewa and PIPC Papakura. Kotalo has a conjoint BHSc/BSc(Psychology major) from the University of Auckland and has just completed her Master of Health Science majoring in Psychology with Massey University. This study explored the role of Samoan youth in the cycle of ‘Tausi matua’ (care of elders). This was part of the wider HRC funded project ‘Caring for our wisdom bearers: Pacific Matua (Elder) care’ led by her Supervisor, Professor Siautu Alefaio-Tugia. Overall Kotalo’s passion is shining a light on ‘soifua maloloina’ (wellbeing) in all its richness within our Pacific communities. Additionally, how we can shape our environments to promote healthy behavior and social connection, whilst exposing the broader social structures that drive the inequities we are tackling today.

Dr Mansoor is a public health medicine specialist with expertise in immunisation, programme design, and communicable disease control. His clinical background is in general practice. He worked with the NZ Ministry of Health, WHO, and UNICEF before returning to Aotearoa in 2014. Currently, he serves as the Medical Officer of Health in Gisborne.

Dr Rachel Mukwezwa Tapera is a Public Health Specialist and an emerging researcher passionate about addressing health inequities within marginalised communities. With a focus on the health of migrants and people with the refugee experience, particularly among MELAA (Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African) populations in Aotearoa New Zealand, Rachel is dedicated to promoting health equity. Her work emphasises the importance of diverse approaches to research with the affected communities at the centre, integrating community-driven approaches and culturally safe practices. Rachel embraces her place and her role as Tangata Tiriti and is committed to initiating and contributing to the very difficult conversations that are critical to improving healthcare access, reducing disparities, and ensuring the voices of underrepresented, minoritised communities are heard in shaping inclusive health policies and practices.

Dr. Nair, a leader in health informatics and digital health, brings over 15 years of expertise in developing global healthcare tools and innovations, including the PreventS-MD and Stroke Riskometer. Together, they will explore the Asian Caucus’s efforts in advancing public health, driving innovation, and ensuring equity through strategic collaboration and technology. This session will offer valuable insights into the work of the Caucus, with a focus on systemic change, health informatics, and promoting culturally safe healthcare solutions.

Dr Parackal is a nutritionist by qualification and a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Otago, Aotearoa. She is the Lead researcher for non-communicable diseases (prevention and epidemiology) and migrant health in the Centre for International Health, Division of Health Sciences, the University of Otago. Her expertise includes, complex health data analysis, epidemiology of diet-related non-communicable diseases in ethnic migrants and in low and in low--middle income countries, health service navigation and patient experiences among migrants, community engagement and relationship building, using community centric approaches in developing prevention strategies, co-design and co-production of health interventions.

Anjum Rahman is the founder of Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono, an initiative dedicated to fostering belonging and reducing discrimination across Aotearoa and Te Waipounamu. Tāhono, meaning "to cause connections," reflects the project's core mission of uniting communities and empowering grassroots action. Under Anjum’s leadership, Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono builds cross-sector community networks that strengthen inclusion and challenge racism, prejudice, and discrimination. The collective is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the principles of tino rangatiratanga, ensuring that tangata whenua rights, tikanga, and mana are upheld. Through strategic collaboration, advisory services, and workshops, Anjum and her team are driving a nationwide movement that embraces diversity and ensures that every individual, regardless of background, has a place to belong.

Dr Meenal Rai the Head of Department and a senior lecturer in the School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies at AUT, New Zealand. She is an Indian migrant in New Zealand and is passionate about exploring lifestyle transitions in migrant health behaviours and practices especially in the areas of diet and non-communicable diseases. Meenal is a team player who enjoys working in a collaborative environment. She believes and works through the transformational leadership framework creating growth opportunities and facilitating professional development. She is an active researcher an excels in qualitative research methodology especially incorporating culturally responsive and participatory research design. As someone with over 28 years of experience in the entrepreneurial, education and leadership sectors Meenal is multilingual in research, teaching, and business and enjoys working on the edge where they overlap.

Dr Angelique Reweti's (Ngāpuhi) primary focus is on teaching and researching in the field of Public Health and Hauora Māori. Her academic and professional journey is anchored in the exploration of how whānau and community-based initiatives can improve Māori health outcomes. In a world where discussions around Māori health often dwell on deficits, she is determined to steer the conversation towards empowerment, resilience, and the inherent strengths within Māori communities. Her approach is not merely about changing the narrative; it's about creating environments where the wellbeing of whānau and communities is celebrated and nurtured.

Grace Ryu is an experienced governance and operational leader with a strong focus on health equity, cultural insights, and community well-being. With over two decades of experience in New Zealand’s healthcare sector, she has played a pivotal role in shaping services that meet the diverse needs of Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African (MELAA) communities. Currently serving as the Group Manager of Asian and Ethnic Health Services at Health New Zealand (HNZ) | Te Whatu Ora, Grace has been instrumental in leading key initiatives, including the Asian Health Line (AHL), Asian Patient Support Service (APSS), Asian Mental Health Service (AMHS), and WATIS Interpreting Service, which provides 24/7 language support in over 142 languages. Grace holds multiple governance positions, reflecting her deep expertise in strategic leadership, policy development, and community advocacy. She is a member of the Regulated Product Appeals Committee for the Ministry of Health New Zealand and the Lottery Auckland Community Committee for the Department of Internal Affairs NZ. She also serves as Chair of the Asian and Ethnic Health Services Leadership Team, Governance Member for Specialist Mental Health & Addiction Services at HNZ – Waitematā, and as a member of the Collaborative Mental Health and Addictions Credentialing Programme Governance Group. Her leadership continues to drive impactful change across governance, health service operations, and policy development in New Zealand.

Nivedita Sharma Vij is a passionate public health leader, strategic innovator, and equity-driven advocate. She is a driven health professional, LTC management T-trainer, and lifestyle medicine practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the health and wellness sector. As a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM), she is committed to sustainable healthcare solutions, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement. A passionate mentor, coach, and accredited supervisor, Nivedita empowers emerging leaders and health professionals, championing inclusive, strengths-based approaches to healthcare excellence. Renowned for her expertise in primary and secondary care integration, workforce capability-building, quality, health and safety service design and improvement and preventative and protective public health, Nivedita has led and contributed to innovative service co-design, workforce development, and strategic system enhancements. Her work in long-term conditions (LTC) management and self-management support is focused on equity for Indigenous and marginalized communities. Guided by Te Whare Tapa Whā, Nivedita is dedicated to driving transformative initiatives, creating sustainable, self-determined, responsive, and concordant healthcare systems. She advances the wellbeing of all New Zealanders through proactive care, prevention, innovation, reducing inequity, and enhancing transformational leadership. As a respected governance professional and strategic policy advisor, she ensures that Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles are upheld in governance, policy, and practice.

Dr Moana Tane is an experienced executive and postdoctoral researcher specialising in qualitative and decolonised health research. She has held leadership roles in Indigenous health services, public health, and research, focusing on evidence-based, community-driven initiatives. A visionary leader, she advocates for sustainable, culturally diverse health services and lifelong learning.

Lisa is a nutrition and Māori health researcher based in the Massey University Research Centre for Hauora and Health on the Pukeahu campus in Whanganui-a-Tara, a Rutherford Discovery Fellow and Principal Investigator with the Riddet Centre of Research Excellence. Broadly, Lisa’s research interests relate to supporting individuals, whanau, and communities to achieve optimal health through access to healthy affordable food. Lisa’s research is translational – applying basic nutrition evidence to enhance human health and wellbeing and inform food and nutrition policy. Health inequities amongst Māori and Pacific communities is a key theme of Lisa’s research. 

Fiugalu Tevita Funaki MNZM is a dedicated advocate for Pasifika health and wellbeing, recognised in the New Year Honours 2024 for his contributions to Pacific communities. As CEO of The Fono Trust since 2010, Tevita leads one of New Zealand’s largest Pasifika health and social service providers. With a Bachelor of Commerce from Otago University, his career spans leadership roles in Pacific health, education, and governance, including ProCare Health Ltd, Massey University, and Te Whatu Ora. He serves on multiple advisory boards, ensuring culturally responsive, community-driven healthcare solutions for Pasifika people across Aotearoa. “Every day, we strive to provide the best care for our families and communities in need.”

Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga is a distinguished Public Health Medicine Specialist and a leading advocate for Pacific and global health equity. With extensive experience across New Zealand, the Pacific, and international health sectors, he has dedicated his career to improving health outcomes for underserved communities. Currently, Sir Collin serves as the Associate Dean Pacific at the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, where he leads initiatives to advance Pacific health education and workforce development. He is also the Co-Director of the University of Auckland Research Centre for Pacific and Global Health (Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa) and a Professor of Public Health, focusing on research and policy development to address health disparities. With a distinguished career in public service, Sir Collin has held key leadership roles in health governance, policy, and research, driving impactful change in New Zealand, the Pacific region, and beyond. His expertise spans public health strategy, disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and international health collaboration. Recognised for his lifelong contributions to public health, Sir Collin continues to be a visionary leader and advocate for equitable healthcare policies, ensuring that Pacific communities and other vulnerable populations receive the support they need to thrive.

Dr Sameera Upashantha Ranasinghe is a public health researcher, epidemiologist, and WHO-certified Infodemic Manager based in Auckland, New Zealand. He holds an MD in Public Health (Community Medicine) and an MSc in Community Medicine from the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo. With over 7 years of experience in public health, Dr. Ranasinghe has worked extensively in disease surveillance, vaccination programs, health promotion, and public health research. From 2019 to 2023, he served as a Registrar in Community Medicine at the Provincial Department of Health Services in Sri Lanka, where he led mass COVID-19 vaccination efforts and pioneered social listening, fact-checking, and debunking initiatives to combat health misinformation. Since April 2023, Dr. Ranasinghe has been working as an independent public health researcher and fact checker for First Check, contributing to evidence-based health communication, data analysis, and infodemic response strategies. He is also a member of the Royal Society of Public Health, the Public Health Association – Auckland, and the global alumni network of WHO Infodemic Managers.

Vivek is one of the trustee and Chairperson volunteering for Muskaan Care Trust NZ. He is an IT Engineer and has Thalassaemia himself, caring for family member living with Thalassaemia. He has lost his beloved daughter in 2016 and have traumatic experiences of current NZ health and social care deficiency and gaps for people living with genetic blood disorders very closely. He is also Co-founder of Thalassaemia & Sickle Cell Aotearoa NZ (TASCA NZ). He also represented ethnic consumer voice at Consumer Council, Te Whatu Ora and International Member of Global Organsiation PIO - Auckland Central

Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles, MNZM - Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab, where she and her lab are searching for new antibiotics as well as trying to understand how bacteria evolve to become more infectious. Siouxsie also has a keen interest in demystifying science. She is an avid tweeter and has worked with artists and illustrators, as well as her daughter to make a kid’s show about microbiology. In 2017 she published her first book, ‘Antibiotic resistance: the end of modern medicine?’. Siouxsie has won numerous awards for her research and science communication efforts, including the UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) 3Rs prize, the NZ Prime Minister’s Science Prize, the NZ Prime Minister's Science Media Communication Prize, the Royal Society Te Apārangi’s Callaghan Medal, the Universities New Zealand Critic and Conscience Award, and New Zealand Tertiary Education Union Excellence Award. In 2019, she was appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to microbiology and science communication. When the pandemic arrived, Siouxsie joined forces with Spinoff cartoonist Toby Morris to make the science of the pandemic clear and understandable. Their award-winning graphics have been translated into multiple languages and adapted by governments and organisations around the world. Siouxsie was named as one of the BBC’s 100 influential women of 2020 and Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year for 2021.

Professor Alistair Woodward is a distinguished public health expert and environmental advocate, currently serving as a Professor at the University of Auckland. He is also the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Epidemiology, where his expertise in climate change and public health intersect. Alistair’s work focuses on the critical links between environmental factors, health outcomes, and climate action. In his upcoming webinar, How Can Public Health Speed Climate Action?, Alistair will discuss the role of public health in shaping climate policy. Drawing from his extensive experience, he will outline four key actions for public health professionals to contribute more effectively to the climate crisis. These include providing information on the health effects of climate change, advocating for health protection to strengthen climate action, influencing policymakers, and engaging in activism. His presentation will address how public health can not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also drive necessary action through stronger advocacy and policy influence. Alistair’s deep knowledge of epidemiology and environmental health, combined with his commitment to global health equity, makes him a leading voice on climate change and public health policy.

Dr Lifeng Zhou is a highly experienced epidemiologist and health advisor, specialising in disease surveillance, global health, and healthcare system improvement. With a strong background in epidemiology, prevention, and health research, Lifeng has played a critical role in advancing health equity for Asian and ethnic communities in New Zealand. Currently serving as the Chief Advisor for Asian/Ethnic Health and International Collaboration at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, Lifeng provides strategic leadership on public health policies, international collaborations, and ethnic health initiatives. In parallel, he also holds the role of Senior Epidemiologist, leading disease prevention efforts and data-driven health interventions. Lifeng’s expertise extends into governance and research ethics, as reflected in his positions: Board Member of the Health Research Council (HRC) of New Zealand (2023 - Present), Committee Member of the HRC Ethics Committee (2025 - Present) and Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (2022 - Present). Prior to his current role, Lifeng dedicated 15 years to Te Whatu Ora Waitemata, where he served as Chief Advisor for Asian International Collaboration (2017 - 2023), fostering global partnerships and strengthening healthcare services for diverse communities. Lifeng holds a Master of Health Science in Pharmaco-epidemiology from the University of Otago’s Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, and a PhD of Epidemiology and Statistics from Fudan University (Shanghai) School of Public Health. His deep knowledge of epidemiology, disease prevention, and global health policy makes him a trusted leader in shaping health initiatives that improve outcomes for New Zealand’s multi-ethnic populations.