According to Grant, public health is at a critical juncture. Resolving the existential challenges before us requires more than the polite discourse and liberal hand-wringing that has been a feature of the sector recently – we need a radically courageous public health sector ready to take a stand on many issues. New Zealand’s global leadership during Covid 19 should serve as an inspiration. It’s time to apply that leadership to issues like poverty, homelessness, racism, and the other socio-economic factors affecting health.
Most recently, Grant has been a public health lead at Te Aka Whai Ora, the CEO of the Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ), and a co-facilitator (with Tania Hodges) of Maori leadership programmes throughout Aotearoa.
During his tenure at PHANZ, he oversaw a co-governance arrangement that gave Te Tiriti o Waitangi practical effect. Grant also had the opportunity to speak at the World Health Promotion Conference in December 2021 and co-hosted the CPAG Post Budget Breakfast events, where he shared his knowledge and expertise with indigenous health leaders.
Additionally, Grant is involved with STIR, an organisation that constitutes a nationwide network of public health professionals and activists committed to eradicating institutional racism within the administration of the public health sector.
Links:
Health Coalition Aotearoa board member profile
Stop Institutionalised Racism – Team member
