Pacific health leader Dr Collin Tukuitonga is joining the Heart Foundation as its Chief Advisor PacificDr Collin Tukuitonga
Dr Tukuitonga, who is Niuean, is the Associate Dean Pacific at the University of Auckland’s Health and Medical Sciences
faculty. He is also a new government appointee to the Health Quality & Safety Commission board.
Dr Tukuitonga has previously led the Ministry of Pacific Affairs and worked with the World Health Organisation. From
2012 to 2019 he was the Director-General of the Pacific Community, SPC, based in New Caledonia.
Heart Foundation Chief Executive Clive Nelson says, “I’m delighted to welcome Collin to the Heart Foundation team.
Collin’s leadership, expertise and dedication will be invaluable for our organisation as we continue to grow our
commitment to health equity for Pacific and all people”.
Dr Tukuitonga has a strong affinity for the work of the Heart Foundation and was one of the original designers of the
organisation’s successful Pacific Heartbeat programme which reduces the burden of heart disease in New Zealand’s Pacific
communities.
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability among Pacific people in New Zealand and I’m delighted to
continue working with the Heart Foundation to progress their work to reduce the impact of heart disease in our
communities,” said Dr Tukuitonga.
He sees strong parallels between the work of the Heart Foundation and his ongoing role at the University of Auckland.
Dr Tukuitonga takes up his appointment with the Heart Foundation in June.