NEW PRESIDENT FOR WORLD FEDERATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS

Emma Rawson - Te Patu

The Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) is proud to announce the appointment of Emma Rawson-Te Patu as the new president of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA). A strong wāhine Māori, Emma is the first Indigenous woman and the first New Zealander to lead the Federation in its 57-year history.

The WFPHA represents five million academics, researchers, physicians, and health promoters across more than 100 public health organisations worldwide. Collaborating closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations, the Federation advocates for public health initiatives and policies on a global scale.

Emma’s inauguration was attended by public health leaders from around the world, including Indigenous leaders and members of the Federation’s Indigenous Working Group. For the first time, the ceremony incorporated Indigenous protocols and processes, including te reo Māori speakers, waiata and haka formally welcome Rawson-Te Patu into the presidency and acknowledge the outgoing president.

PHANZ celebrates Emma’s commitment to advancing public health kaupapa and eagerly anticipates the significant contributions she will bring to this role.

Te Kāhui Hauora Tūmatanui o Aotearoa