Otago University's Faumuina Associate Professor Fa'afetai Sopoaga was given the Prime Minister's Supreme Award for Excellence in Tertiary Teaching.
She's credited for her work to improve the health of Pacific people, as well as getting more Pasifika training to become doctors.
Faumunia instituted programmes that immersed medical students in Pacific communities and cultures, as a way of boosting understanding.
She said it was vital for both students, Pacific communities, and the health system in general.
