Dr Selwyn Te Paa is driven by a deep commitment to improving hauora Māori, inspired by his upbringing within Te Ao Māori and the significant health inequities facing Māori communities.
A graduate of the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB, 2022), Selwyn further enriched his connection to his culture through advanced studies in Te Reo Māori at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, achieving Te Rōnakitanga, Te Aupikitanga and Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi and is now a member of Te Matakahi o Ngāti Whātua.
Currently a Surgical Registrar at Te Whatu Ora Capital Coast and Hutt Valley Health and a Medical Research Fellow at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Selwyn actively contributes to critical research addressing Māori health disparities, including improving COVID-19 rapid antigen testing, asthma management and Māori health research.
Selwyn's commitment to leadership and service was nurtured during his schooling at Hato Pāora College and further expressed through his advocacy for te reo Māori in healthcare settings. He consistently promotes cultural competency as essential in healthcare by previously facilitating te reo classes for medical students and is a Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Otago.
Recognised as an emerging leader, Selwyn Te Paa continues to combine clinical practice, research excellence, and cultural advocacy, making meaningful contributions to advancing Māori health equity.
Links:
University of Otago: Improving Māori health the driving force for graduating doctor 07 December 2022
Surgical News:Supporting Indigenous Health Wednesday, 7 December 2022
Dr Selwyn Te Paa The Sick As Podcast (YouTube)
23 May 2025
