Reimagining Cardiovascular Care: International Indigenous Leadership at the Forefront

Pūtahi Manawa Centre of Research Excellence was powerfully represented at the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) 4th Indigenous Cardiovascular Health Conference, held on Gadigal Country, Sydney, 18–19 June.

Co-convenor and Aboriginal health equity leader Professor Alex Brown (Wadi Wadi, Yuin Nation) praised the Centre’s contribution:

"I don't think thanking you for your sponsorship does true justice to the contribution made by your people and the people you helped to attend. It made the conference a lot richer, a lot stronger, a lot more important for us."

As proud sponsors, Pūtahi Manawa used the opportunity to deepen global academic connections, launch an international Indigenous travel grant, and build momentum for cross-cultural research collaborations aimed at improving heart health outcomes for Indigenous communities.

Professor Julian Paton, Co-Director of Pūtahi Manawa, reflected on the Centre’s impact:

"Pūtahi Manawa had a strong showing. We had 39 presentations from our researchers and leadership, covering a wide range of interventions, findings, and Māori and Pacific Peoples-led solutions in action. Our session highlighted Indigenous-led or partnered models of care - grounded in cultural knowledge and driven by communities that conventional health systems have long underserved."

A Māori health and equity professional echoed his sentiment:
"I was extremely impressed with your team  - Pou Tikanga Joe Pihema, Karen Brewer's presentations, and Saraya’s amazing geneticist 101 kōrero and Pūtahi Manawa Kaupapa. I learned so much in the two-hour session!"

Despite decades of targeted research and intervention, cardiovascular health outcomes across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the broader Pacific remain a stark reflection of systemic inequity. 

"Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, and Pacific communities continue to experience disproportionate rates of heart disease. This is not due to a lack of knowledge or effort, but because systems have failed to centre Indigenous voices and leadership,” says Dr Karen Brewer, Co-Director Māori of Pūtahi Manawa (useful to have attribute these quoted to an academic)

The conference was held during the official celebration of Matariki (Māori New Year) that runs throughout the month. Pūtahi Manawa Pou Tikanga, Matua Joe Pihema (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), shared the significance of Umukohukohu Whetū, an ancient ceremony offering food to the Matariki star cluster.

"As the Umukohukohu feeds the stars, the knowledge sharing, connections, and learnings over the next two days will feed everyone here so they can continue to do their important mahi (work)."

Academic connections that were forged have already enriched Pūtahi Manawa's Scientific Review Committee and International Funding Panel with members from Hawaii and Australia, increasing the international indigenous strength of the research centre. 

Dr Mayanna Lund, President of CSANZ, summed up the spirit of the event.

"It’s been an extraordinary meeting. I’ve learnt a lot — I’ve been challenged."