Dr Nina Scott is a public health physician and works on many fronts to advance Māori health. She is Co-Chair of Hei Āhuru Mōwai and Director Rangahau Hauora Māori at Te Aka Whai Ora. Nina is passionate about Kaupapa Māori approaches to research and redesigning the health system to deliver maximum hauora gains for whānau Māori.

Nina has extensive experience in national cancer control governance and as a member of numerous cancer leadership groups. She is a current member of the Te Aho o Te Kahu national cancer agency Advisory Board and chair of the Pae Whakatere charged with overseeing the implementation of recommendations from a review of the national breast screening programme.

Nina was co-principal investigator of the He Pikinga Waiora Healthier Lives National Science Challenge study alongside Associate Professor Masters-Awatere and Professor John Oetzel. The He Pikinga Waiora framework has been used extensively as the basis for several successful initiatives including the Kimi Ora diabetes prevention project and Waikato-based Whānau Hauora Integrated Response Initiative (WHIRI) projects.

Nina was a co-principal investigator of the Health Research Council funded Harti Hauora Tamariki randomised controlled trial and is co-lead on two current Health Research Council-funded WHIRI research projects. One such project is developing and testing a model of care for whānau Māori via Waikato Regional Referral centre with a potential diagnosis of cancer, alongside Dr Myra Ruka. She hopes the proposed community navigator model of care can connect with the hospital model, creating a seamless experience for whānau Māori.

Nina is also part of a group of Indigenous cancer leaders editing a book on international Indigenous and tribal peoples’ cancer issues.

Professional distinctions and memberships >
Dr Nina Scott’s research profile >