Inaugural Professorial Lecture –Professor Fa'afetai Sopoaga

Dare to be wise. Date to Succeed. Dare to Care. Pacific Aspirations in Aotearoa
About Professor Fa'afetai Sopoaga's Research:
Fa’afetai is the first Pacific female appointed to a professorial position at the University, and the first Pacific female medical doctor appointed as a professor in Australasia. Her PhD research focussed on Pacific students’ health and wellbeing. A public health and primary health care physician, her research interests include mental health and wellbeing, Pacific workforce and capacity building. Awarded the Prime Minister’s supreme award for tertiary teaching excellence in 2018, including the inaugural national award for excellence in supporting Pacific students, her work and engagements extend into the Pacific region. Appointed as New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Health Adviser in Samoa, she is also an advocate for indigenous rights. Fa’afetai is embedded within her fa’a Samoa cultural context, with a strong commitment to community service - following the lead of her parents (both church ministers). Her high chief title Faumuina from Fagaloa in Samoa, acknowledges her lineage and community expectations.