Cook Islander Dr Kiki Maoate is the new chair of Fatu Fono Ola (the National Pacific Health Senate New Zealand), Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has announced.

A specialist paediatric surgeon and paediatric urologist, Dr Maoate is based in Christchurch and has been part of Fatu Fono Ola since it was established in January 2023.

Fatu Fono Ola is an independent advisory board made up of 11 senior Pacific clinicians from across the country.

It supports Health NZ to deliver more equitable health outcomes for Pacific peoples by providing objective and strategic advice based on its members’ collective experience and understanding of the health sector, existing health initiatives and the needs of Pacific communities.

Born and educated in the Cook Islands, Dr Maoate is an Associate Dean Pacific at the Christchurch School of Medicine and University of Otago, president of the Pasifika Medical Association Group and chairperson of the Pasifika Futures Ltd, Pasifika Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency.

Markerita Poutasi, Health NZ’s National Director for Pacific Health, says she is delighted to have Dr Maoate as the new chair.

“Dr Maoate has been an invaluable member of Fatu Fono Ola since its inception. His experience as a clinician, deep connections within Pacific communities and the support he provides to Pacific countries means his contributions to our work are based on the practical needs and experiences our health workforce, systems and Pacific peoples face every day,” Poutasi said.

“Fatu Fono Ola’s focus is supporting us to prioritise and shape initiatives that will have the biggest impact on the life expectancy and quality of life for Pacific peoples in New Zealand. I look forward to continuing this work with Fatu Fono Ola under the leadership of Dr Maoate.”

Dr Maoate says Fatu Fono Ola provides an opportunity to have a direct impact on Pacific health outcomes from the policy and programme design level.

“We need all people to be able to access the healthcare they need. My role and that of my fellow Fatu Fono Ola members is to provide scrutiny and assistance to help make sure our Pacific people can navigate the health system with confidence and safety.”

• Te Whatu Ora