CELEBRATING PROFESSOR BEV LAWTON (ONZM) - NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR 2025

The Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) extends our congratulations to Professor Beverley Lawton (Ngāti Porou) on being named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2025. This recognition is a much deserved reflection to her tireless dedication to women’s health, Māori health advancement, and structural change within Aotearoa’s health system.

As founder and director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine – the National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa, Professor Lawton has demonstrated visionary leadership grounded in mātauranga Māori and scientific excellence. Her role in championing the transition to HPV self-testing as the national screening standard for cervical cancer is a historic milestone for women’s health — restoring autonomy and improving access, especially for wāhine Māori and women in rural communities.

As an organisation that develops evidence-based policy with the goal of improving health and health equity for people in Aotearoa, we acknowledge Professor Lawton’s key role in undertaking critical research that has led to the development and implementation of policies and alliances that continue to shape our healthcare system.

We acknowledge her outstanding contribution to translational research, recognised through the Beaven Medal and the Te Tohu Rapuora Medal awarded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. These accolades reflect not only her personal and professional excellence but the collective strength of the teams and communities she works alongside.

In celebrating Professor Lawton, we also recognise her commitment to this kaupapa — a commitment to equity, whakapapa, and hauora for current and future generations. Her impact reaches far beyond academia; it transforms lives.

E te rangatira, we honour your leadership, your courage, and your unwavering pursuit of health justice.

Te Kāhui Hauora Tūmatanui o Aotearoa