Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Capability Fund assessment panel

Director Māori Science and Innovation, MBIE

Dr Willy-John Martin is Pou Pūtaiao and has had a career as a biomedical researcher in Australia and New Zealand. His expertise brings together Māori and Indigenous perspectives with the tools of the science sector.  

Dr Martin’s previous roles include the Manager Vision Mātauranga and Capacity Development for the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge at Callaghan Innovation.

Dr Martin believes EDI is simply the right thing to do, and it enables more of Aotearoa’s talent to be expressed and realised.

Associate Dean Pacific and Associate Professor of Public Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland

For more than two decades, Dr Collin Tukuitonga has helped advance development efforts in the Pacific and provided leadership for some of the region’s most influential organisations. From the Pacific island of Niue, Dr Tukuitonga’s professional history has seen multidisciplinary change management efforts successfully implemented, creating more efficient and effective operations without sacrificing an organisation’s vision, mission or values.

Dr Tukuitonga is a founding member of New Zealand’s Niue Arts and Culture Festival and Pacific Language Weeks, and the Leadership Development Programme for Pacific civil servants in New Zealand. His previous roles include the Pacific Community (SPC) Director-General, the Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand’s Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs; New Zealand’s Director of Public Health; and the Head of Surveillance and Prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases at the World Health Organization, Switzerland.

Dr Tukuitonga has long advocated for fairness and social justice in our health system and promoted equity, diversity and inclusion in their teaching, research and policy work.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Victoria University of Wellington

Dr Helen Woolner is the first Pacific recipient of the Biennial Zonta Science Award which acknowledges emerging PhD female scientists. Originally supported by a New Zealand Health Research Council Pasifika Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dr Woolner has spent the last several years investigating a traditional Samoan anti-inflammatory plant and its potential to treat a wide range of conditions, from cancer to tuberculosis, Alzheimer’s to obesity. She is also researching the science behind other traditional medicines from Samoa and New Zealand.

After leaving school with no formal qualifications Dr Woolner enrolled at He Huarahi Tamariki, school for teenage parents, where her passion for science was stimulated and encouraged by inspirational teachers. Dr Woolner graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Science in 2009, a Master of Science in 2012, and a Doctor of Philosophy in 2017.

Dr Woolner believes EDI within an organisation should be a reflection of the diverse population of New Zealand, with fair and respectful processes that provide equal opportunities for all individuals thereby giving them a sense of belonging and enabling them to prosper.

Inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)

Ms Louise Johansson provides leadership for the design, development and implementation of WEHI’s diversity and inclusion strategy with a current focus on gender equity, reconciliation, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Prior to joining WEHI, Ms Johansson lived and worked in England for 10 years and held senior policy and advocacy positions in two influential statutory equality bodies - the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Ms Johansson is passionate in improving outcomes by addressing the barriers that lead to inequality through targeted interventions and building a safe and respectful environment where everyone can thrive.

National Operations Manager, New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme

Ms Philippa Jones has over 20 years’ experience in executive roles leading business transformation where she has put people at the centre and designed strategies to enhance engagement and improve business performance.

Ms Jones’ industry experience spans public sector, local government, health, tertiary education, consulting and NGOs in which she has led broad ranging portfolios including Human Resources, Change Management, Information Technology, Marketing and Communications, Facilities Management and Business Improvement & Reporting.

Diversity and inclusion has been a consistent theme through-out Ms Jones’ career and has shaped her leadership style and passion for bringing together diverse views to solve business issues.