First Pacific genetic counsellor in Aotearoa New Zealand is helping reshape the future of genomic healthcare

When Auroiana Etelei (Samoa) first heard about genetic counselling during her honours studies, everything clicked.

Her honours supervisor introduced her to the profession, and when she discovered there were no Pacific genetic counsellors in Aotearoa New Zealand, she knew immediately she had found her calling.

"I loved science when I was young, I was drawn to genetics at university, and then this opportunity arose and I knew I was the perfect fit” she said.

At the end of 2026, Auroiana is set to graduate with distinction from the Master of Genetic Counselling at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), becoming the first Pacific genetic counsellor in Aotearoa—an achievement she hopes is just the beginning of a more representative and culturally responsive future for genomic healthcare.

For Auroiana, the milestone is about far more than academic success.

"I’m only the face of this achievement," she said. "Standing with me is my family, my community, and everyone who has supported me along the way."

Throughout her Master's journey, Auroiana balanced the demands of postgraduate study alongside work, family responsibilities and commitments to her Pacific community. While there were moments she felt she needed to carry everything herself, she said learning to ask for help became one of the most valuable lessons of the experience.

She credits her supervisory team for providing unwavering support throughout her studies, helping her navigate the challenges of postgraduate research while encouraging her to grow both personally and professionally.

"I realised I didn't have to do everything on my own," she said. "Once I talked about some of my struggles, there was this whole network of support that opened up and everything became much more manageable."

Her research focused on Pacific perspectives and attitudes towards genetic testing for inherited cardiac conditions, using a culturally grounded Talanoa methodology. Through focus groups held in Christchurch, Auckland, Oamaru and Wellington, she explored how Pacific communities understand genetic testing, what information they need, and how they prefer that information to be shared.

The research identified a strong preference for face-to-face conversations that allow trust and relationships to develop, while also recognising the important role of traditional and digital media in reaching younger generations and wider communities.

Ultimately, Auroiana hopes her research will lead to the development of culturally appropriate resources that make genetic information more accessible and meaningful for Pacific families.

"As a Samoan woman, I understand the importance of communicating in ways that respect our Pacific cultures, values and ways of connecting," she said. "People deserve information that makes sense to them and reflects who they are."

Her work comes at a time when genetic testing is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare. Identifying inherited cardiac conditions early can help individuals and their whānau access surveillance, treatment and preventative care before symptoms develop, while cascade testing enables other family members to understand their own risk.

Despite advances in genomic medicine, access to genetic services remains limited in New Zealand, with long wait times and a shortage of genetic counsellors. Auroiana hopes increasing Pacific representation within the profession will help build trust, improve access and ensure Pacific communities feel seen, heard and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

Last week, Auroiana's research was recognised at the Human Genetics Society of Australasia Conference in Ōtautahi, where she received the award for Best Student Presentation.

While she is proud of what she has achieved, she hopes her journey inspires others to pursue postgraduate study and careers in health research.

"My advice is to trust your intuition," she said. "Sometimes opportunities appear that you weren't expecting. Say yes to them. You never know where they'll lead."

A Master’s in Genetic Counselling is not currently offered in New Zealand, meaning aspiring genetic counsellors must study remotely through the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) at considerable personal expense. Recognising this barrier, Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence funded Auroiana’s studies and provided a living stipend, making her the second recipient of the Centre’s Master of Genetic Counselling scholarship. The first scholarship supported the qualification of New Zealand’s only practising Māori genetic counsellor.

The success of Pūtahi Manawa’s investment has had an impact beyond Aotearoa. Inspired by the Centre’s commitment to growing an Indigenous genetic counselling workforce, Dr Lucinda Freeman, Head of Genetic Counselling at UTS, successfully advocated for a similar initiative in Australia.

"I approached NSW Health to advocate for a similar scholarship for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student. I’m pleased to say this was successful—NSW Health fully funded a student in the program this year, which has been enormously valuable for the student, the cohort, and for building workforce capacity over the long term."

As she prepares to begin the next stage of her career, Auroiana hopes her achievement signals that meaningful change is possible.

"I want Pacific families to know there's someone who understands their culture and their experiences. Representation matters, and I hope this is just the beginning."