22 May 2018

Prominent Niuean-NZer seeking senior WHO post

6:36 am on 22 May 2018

A prominent Niuean New Zealander believes he can make a difference if he gets to head the World Health Organisation's Western Pacific region.

Colin Tukuitonga, a medical doctor who has previously working at the WHO, has also held senior government posts in New Zealand and is currently director general of the Pacific Community.

Colin Tukuitonga

Photo: Twitter/ Colin Tukuitonga

He was nominated for the WHO post by New Zealand and a number of Pacific Island nations.

The region encompasses much of Asia as well as the island nations and Dr Tukuitonga said there were a number of pressing health issues.

"Like diabetes and heart disease which require an even more concentrated effort and I think professionally from me, potentially the most rewarding opportunity to make a contribution beyond the Pacific region alone and try to effect change in the Asian members of the WP region," he said.

Dr Tukuitonga said the nomination process would take some weeks.