August 2026

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Ngāti Porou Oranga was represented by Huti Watson, General Manager of Te Rangawairua o Paratene Ngata Research and Population Health Centre and Tyler Gray, at the inaugural Pacific Precision Medicine Conference in Apia, Samoa.

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Hosted by the Oceania University of Medicine and the Maurice Wilkins Centre, this historic gathering brought together Indigenous knowledge holders, community leaders, researchers, clinicians and policymakers from across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, Aotearoa, Australia and the United States.

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The conference opened with an Ava ceremony with dignitaries participating, and was attended by the Ministers of Health Hon. Va'aaoao Salumalo Alofipo and Minister of Education & Culture Hon. Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma. A hoe was presented by Conor O' Sullivan on behalf of the Aotearoa contingent, according to tikanga.  

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Explored how genomics and precision medicine can improve health outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples. A central message was that Indigenous communities must not simply participate in or benefit from this research—they must help lead, govern and shape it.

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Huti contributed NPO’s experience in Māori-led genomics, Indigenous data governance, community engagement and the importance of grounding scientific innovation in whakapapa, tikanga and genuine relationships with whānau.

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“Precision medicine will not achieve equitable outcomes through technology alone. Its success will depend on our people; our leadership, and the strength of the partnerships built with our communities. Cultural integrity cannot be rushed.”

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NPO’s participation reflects the important role of Te Rangawairua o Paratene Ngata Centre of Excellence in advancing Ngāti Porou leadership in research and ensuring emerging health technologies are developed and applied in ways that protect our rights, uphold mana motuhake and deliver meaningful benefits for our whānau.

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A heartfelt thank you to the Maurice Wilkins Centre for its generous support of this important initiative, to the Oceania University of Medicine for being such fabulous hosts, and to Dr Natalie Schimke, Professor Peter Shepherd for all your work and Professor Satupaitea Viali to bring this inaugural conference together.

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Talofa lava and ngā mihi nui to the Oceania University of Medicine, the Maurice Wilkins Centre and everyone who made this significant gathering possible.

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