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Keynote presentation: Bringing the Meihana Model to Life: Transforming Nursing Practice for Māori Health Equity

Friday, October 31, 2025
9:10 AM - 9:50 AM
Limes Room, Christchurch Town Hall

Overview

Prof Suzanne Pitama, University of Otago/ ōtākou whakaihu waka


Details

Keynote sponsored by Gold Sponsor


Speaker

Agenda Item Image
Professor Suzanne Pitama
Dean and Head of Campus | Tumuaki
University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

Bringing the Meihana Model to Life: Transforming Nursing Practice for Māori Health Equity

9:10 AM - 9:50 AM

Biography

Suzanne is the Dean of the University of Otago Medical School and a registered psychologist. A member of the New Zealand Psychological Society, she has spent over 20 years advancing Māori health research and health professional education. Her work has been instrumental in developing an Indigenous Health model that helps both Indigenous and non-Indigenous health professionals strengthen cultural competency and safety in their practice. Suzanne’s contributions have been widely recognized. She has received the Prime Minister’s Supreme Award for tertiary teaching excellence, as well as the Indigenous Leadership Award and Lifetime Award from the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME). Her research in Indigenous medical education earned her the prestigious Joan Metge Medal, and she was also honored with the Dame Marie Clay Award for her impact on educational and developmental psychology. Passionate about equitable healthcare and transformative education, Suzanne continues to shape the future of medical training and Indigenous health advancement in Aotearoa.
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