Suzanne Pitama

Suzanne Pitama (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe) is a prominent Māori health researcher and academic based in New Zealand. She is a Professor and Director of the Māori Indigenous Health Institute (MIHI) at the University of Otago, Christchurch.

Pitama's research focuses on addressing health inequities experienced by Māori, the indigenous population of New Zealand. Her work spans a variety of areas, including primary health care, long-term conditions (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), cancer, and Māori health workforce development. She is particularly known for her contributions to the development and evaluation of culturally appropriate healthcare models and interventions designed to improve health outcomes for Māori.

Pitama is actively involved in advocating for Māori health advancement at both national and international levels. She serves on numerous advisory boards and committees, providing expert advice on health policy and research. Her leadership and scholarship have been recognized through various awards and honors, reflecting her significant impact on Māori health and the broader health sector in New Zealand. A key component of her work involves training and mentoring future generations of Māori health researchers and practitioners.