Associate Professor Aspin receives Te Rangi Hiroa Medal - Ageing Well National Science Challenge

Associate Professor Clive Aspin, member of the Ageing Well Strategic Advisory Group, was recently awarded the winner of the 2023 Te Rangi Hiroa Medal by The Royal Society Te Aparangi.

Associate Professor Aspin (Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Tamaterā) received the award for his influential research on sexuality, HIV, and suicide prevention. His work has led to greater equity for Māori and indigenous peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ageing Well Director, Professor David Baxter, was pleased to see Associate Professor Aspin receive recognition for his mahi from his peers at The Royal Society Te Aparangi.

“We are proud to see this wonderful acknowledgement of Associate Professor Aspin’s research and commitment to working for greater health equity for Māori with the prestigious Te Rangi Hiroa Award,” said Professor Baxter.

Associate Professor Aspin’s work has influenced the development of policy, and facilitated systematic transformation that has benefited many under-represented communities, especially Māori.

“We wholeheartedly agree that Associate Professor Aspin has had a significant impact on improving outcomes, social cohesion, and cultural diversity in the areas of public health and indigenous research,” said Professor Baxter.

“The dedication and fearlessness with which Associate Professor Aspin advances his work – and the causes close to his heart – are to be admired. Ageing Well is honoured to receive his kupu tohutohu (guidance) and mana whakatipu (leadership),” he added.

About the Medal

The medal was named for the first Māori medical graduate from a New Zealand university, Sir Peter Buck, who was gifted the name Te Rangi Hiroa by his elders. He was an accomplished tāne who spent his life advocating for, and making a difference in, the health and wellbeing of Māori in the early twentieth century.