Emeritus Professor John Broughton has dedicated over 30 years to Māori oral health, injury prevention, and Kaupapa Māori research methods. In recognition of his services to Māori health, theatre, and the community, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2016.
In 2006, John completed his PhD, which focused on providing Māori oral health services using Kaupapa Māori methods. He has also collaborated on global research projects centred around indigenous children's access to culturally safe dental health in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. This research has explored effective communication with indigenous groups, the impact of racism on oral health, and the integration of Tikanga Māori practices into oral health research.
John has held positions at Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo throughout his career in the Department of Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences. He has also served as the Associate Dean Māori at the School of Dentistry. In these roles, he has incorporated hauora Māori principles into the university's Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Oral Health programmes, ensuring that students are educated about Māori treatment models.
John is also internationally recognised as a playwright, drawing inspiration from New Zealand history and Māori identity. His plays have been showcased at events such as the International Festival of the Arts in Wellington and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and have toured internationally, which has been significant for sharing stories of with Māori characters at the centre of his work.
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