Around 20 members of the Public Health Association Pōneke Branch gathered to celebrate the presentation of the prestigious Tū Rangatira mō te Ora Award to Professor Lisa Te Morenga. The award was formally presented by PHANZ Co-President, Dr Ramil Adhikari, in recognition of Lisa’s outstanding leadership, advocacy, and lifelong commitment to advancing hauora Māori and health equity in Aotearoa.

Every year, the Public Health Association of New Zealand – Kāhui Hauora Tūmatanui Aotearoa – honours individuals and groups who make a significant positive contribution to public health through its Public Health Awards. These awards acknowledge excellence, innovation, courage, and leadership, shining a light on those who push boundaries, challenge inequity, and uplift the wellbeing of communities throughout the motu.

This year, the Public Health Awards recognised four remarkable recipients across four categories:

1. Public Health Champion Award – Guyon Espiner
2. Tū Rangatira mō te Ora Award – Professor Lisa Te Morenga
3. Asian and Ethnic Peoples Public Health Award – Asian Family Services
4. Pacific Public Health Award – Dave Letele

Professor Lisa Te Morenga has long been widely respected as a leader who moves confidently across multiple spheres, bringing together academic excellence, courageous advocacy, and a deep commitment to kaupapa Māori in all aspects of her work. Her research, public voice, and policy leadership have consistently centred the rights, needs, and aspirations of Māori communities. Through her contribution, she continues to challenge inequities and elevate the importance of structural change to improve health outcomes for all.

The ceremony included reflections from Associate Professor Clive Aspin, who spoke warmly about Lisa’s impact, her integrity as a researcher, and her unwavering dedication to Māori health and wellbeing. His remarks highlighted the depth of Lisa’s influence across academia, policy, and community.

Dr Ramil Adhikari closed the formal proceedings with a beautiful whakataukī that captured the spirit of the evening:

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”
My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.

He reminded those gathered that achievements in public health are built together as a community, as a whānau, and as a collective committed to achieving equitable health outcomes across Aotearoa. The event concluded with a shared sense of pride and unity, celebrating those who continue to champion better health for all.

A “thank you” to Ramil Adhikari for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

13/12/25