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

Auroiana Etelei’s achievement is opening the door to a more representative and culturally responsive future for genetic healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Auroiana knew she had found her calling the moment she learned about genetic counselling during her honours studies.

Introduced to the profession by her honours supervisor, Dr Linda Peters from the University of Waikato, Auroiana was struck by one fact: there were no Pacific genetic counsellors in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“I loved science when I was younger, I was drawn to genetics at University, this is the perfect fit for me,” she says.

By the end of 2026, Auroiana will become the first Pacific and Samoan genetic counsellor in Aotearoa New Zealand, graduating with a Master of Genetic Counselling from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

For Auroiana, the milestone represents much more than academic success.

“This isn't just my achievement. It's the achievement of my family, my community, and everyone who has supported me along the way,” she says.

Her journey has combined postgraduate study with work, family responsibilities and commitments to her Pacific community. She credits the support of her full supervisory team from the Our Heart, Our Genes, Our Stories research project with helping her navigate the challenges of postgraduate study.

“I realised I didn't have to do everything on my own. Once I opened up about my struggles, this whole support network was there, and everything became much more manageable,” she says.

Bringing a Pacific perspective to genetic testing

Auroiana’s research has focused on Pacific perspectives and attitudes towards genetic testing for inherited cardiac conditions.

Using a culturally grounded Talanoa methodology, she held focus groups in Christchurch, Oamaru and Wellington to explore how Pacific communities understand genetic testing, what information they need, and how they want that information communicated.

The research found a strong preference for face-to-face conversations, where trust and relationships can develop, alongside an important role for traditional and digital media in reaching generational and wider communities.

Auroiana hopes the findings will contribute to culturally appropriate resources that make genetic information more accessible and meaningful for Pacific families.

“There’s a huge gap between best practice in genetic testing, and what our Pacific communities understand,” she says.

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

Genetic testing can play an important role in identifying inherited cardiac conditions early, helping individuals and their whānau access surveillance, treatment and preventative care. Cascade testing can also help other family members understand their own risk.

Yet access to genetic services in New Zealand remains limited, with long wait times and a shortage of genetic counsellors.

Auroiana hopes her entry into the profession will help increase Pacific representation, build trust and ensure Pacific families feel seen, heard and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

Her research was recently recognised at the Human Genetics Society of Australasia Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, where she received the Best Student Presentation award.

Investing in a more representative workforce

Auroiana’s pathway into genetic counselling has also highlighted the barriers facing aspiring genetic counsellors in Aotearoa.

A Master of Genetic Counselling is not currently offered in New Zealand, meaning students must study remotely through UTS at considerable personal expense.

Recognising this barrier, Pūtahi Manawa, a Centre of Research Excellence for heart health equity 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.

Assoc. Prof. Karen Brewer, Co-Director Māori of Pūtahi Manawa says investing in an indigenous health workforce is crucial for better health outcomes for whānau and taiga. 

“Research shows that there are many benefits when healthcare practitioner and patient/whānau share the same cultural background, including mutual understanding, warm relationships, and a sense of trust. This lays the foundation for better heart health outcomes.” 

The impact of that investment has extended beyond Aotearoa. Inspired by Pūtahi Manawa’s commitment to growing an Indigenous genetic counselling workforce, UTS Head of Genetic Counselling Dr Lucinda Freeman successfully advocated for a similar scholarship 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,” Dr Freeman says.

NSW Health has also agreed to fund the scholarship for a second year, helping build workforce capacity over the long term.

Representation matters

As she prepares to begin the next stage of her career, Auroiana hopes her achievement will inspire other Pacific people to pursue careers in health research and healthcare.

“My advice is to trust your intuition,” she says. “Sometimes opportunities appear that you weren't expecting. Trust yourself to say yes to them. You never know where they'll lead.”

For Auroiana, the ultimate goal is simple: to ensure Pacific families have access to genetic healthcare that reflects their cultures, experiences and needs.

“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.”

Header image: Auroiana Etelei's family.