University of Otago Medical School dean Prof Peter Crampton last night warmly thanked the Dunedin Pacific communities for their support, and was praised as a strong advocate for improved Pacific health.
Speaking at a function attended by more than 130 people at the medical school, Prof Crampton said that strong backing from parents and other community members had contributed to recent rapid growth in Pacific students enrolled in health science disciplines.
A large model waka, carved from a Dunedin pine tree by specialist carvers from Samoa, was presented to Prof Crampton, who is also pro vice-chancellor health sciences, on behalf of Pacific communities.
He praised it as a ''remarkably beautiful gift'', which was ''incredibly humbling'' to receive.
Prof Crampton said he would be stepping down from his roles as medical dean and pro vice-chancellor later this year, but was not retiring and would continue his previous academic and research work, including in Pacific health.
He acknowledged the importance of the recent establishment of the new Va'a o Tautai Pacific Health grouping at the university, and the leadership of the divisional associate dean, Pacific, Faumuina Associate Prof Fa'afetai Sopoaga.
The redeveloped grouping consists of the office of the associate dean, Pacific; a new Centre for Pacific Health; and the existing Pacific Islands and Student Support Centre.
The grouping aimed to support the growth in Pacific health professional training, to improve Pacific community health both in New Zealand and elsewhere; and to strengthen Pacific health research.
Prof Crampton said Pacific student numbers in Otago health sciences had been rising, and more than last year's total of 482 Pacific students were enrolled this year.
The number of Pacific students enrolled in health professional programmes had increased 20% to 157 this year, up from 130 last year, university officials said.
