Dr Iris Wainiqolo is the Research Lead for The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ. Dr Iris brings a wealth of experience and expertise in Public Health, and understands the Pacific, having grown up in Fiji and worked in Fiji and across the region with Pacific health teams.

Previously, Dr Iris worked at the University of Otago as a Senior Lecturer at the Va’a o Tautai, Centre for Pacific Health, teaching Pacific cultural competency and safety in practice as part of the University’s medical programme. She has undertaken research studies in public health in the areas of injury, traffic crashes, non-communicable diseases, and health systems strengthening. Dr Iris has also worked with several universities, including Fiji National University and University of Queensland on a health information systems project, as well as working with Pacific ministries of health and United Nations agencies. Further, Dr Iris has a medical background and worked as a General Practitioner in Fiji.