Date/Time
Date(s) - Wed 31 August
19:00
Whether in our workplaces, houses or our health system, inequality is rife across Aotearoa. Our panel of experts will share their insights on the current state of the nation and what needs to change.
Panellists
MC: Wayne Te Kaawa
Wayne Te Kaawa imageReverend Dr Wayne Te Kaawa (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Tuhoe) completed his PhD in Theology at the University of Otago and now works as a lecturer in the Department of Theology, lecturing on Māori Theology. His research interests also include indigenous theology. Revd Dr Te Kaawa is also a licensed and ordained minister of the Presbyterian church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman
Philippa Howden-Chapman imagePhilippa Howden-Chapman, Sesquicentennial Distinguished Professor of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand, is co‑director of He Kāinga Oranga / Housing and Health Research Programme and director of the NZ Centre for Sustainable Cities. She conducts randomised community housing trials in partnership with local communities, which have had a major influence on housing, urban policy and health. Her work focuses on reducing inequalities in the determinants of health and wellbeing.
She is a director on the board of the Crown Entity Kāinga Ora-homes and communities, a fellow of the Royal Society of NZ and chair of the International Science Council Committee, Urban Health and Wellbeing: a systems approach. She has received numerous awards, including the Prime Minister’s Science Team Prize and the Royal Society of NZ Rutherford Medal. She was awarded a Queen’s Service Order and for contributions to public health a Companion of the NZ Order of Merit.
Melissa Lama
Melissa Lama imageMelissa Lama is the President of the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) and sits on the National Council of the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations. She is of Tongan descent and is a Pacific community advocate, particularly in advisory and representative roles for youth.
Melissa has more than nine years’ experience in the NGO and public sector, including working as an adviser for the Ministry of Pacific Peoples. She has recently completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of Otago and is currently studying towards a Doctorate in Business and Administration, focusing on the political and economic influence of foreign aid in the Pacific region.
Professor Richie Poulton
Richie Poulton imageProfessor Richie Poulton CNZM FRSNZ is the Director of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Research Unit, responsible for running the well-known Dunedin Study. He established and is co-director of the National Centre for Lifecourse Research. In 2014 Professor Poulton was also appointed as Chief Science Advisor to the Ministry of Social Development, and serves on many NZ government, public and academic statutory bodies.
Associate Professor Helen Roberts
Helen Roberts imageOtago Business School Accountancy and Finance Associate Professor Helen Roberts is the Director of the Master of Finance programme and the Deputy Director of the Climate Energy Finance Group. She has conducted research projects on gender equity in the workplace, pay gaps between chief executives and workers, and the financial vulnerability of older New Zealanders.
Shayne Walker
Shayne Walker imageShayne Walker is a Senior Lecturer in the Social and Community Work Programme at the University of Otago, specialising in Māori social services development, alternative care, social service agencies, and care and protection. In 2019 he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to fostering children and social work, recognising his experience fostering 192 young people, predominantly Māori and Pacific young men.
Mr Walker is currently on the Family Violence Death Review Committee, the Minister’s Arms Advisory Group, and is former Chair of the Social Workers Registration Board. He is also Board Co‑Chair of VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, a charity organisation that helps advocate for approximately 6,000 children with care experience in Aotearoa.