Colin Tukuitonga was born on Niue - or 'the rock' as it's affectionately known. In his early teens he went to Fiji to further his education, eventually graduating as a medical doctor. His has been a stellar career: a former director of public health for the Ministry of Health, Colin Tukuitonga has held a senior position with the World Health Organisation in Geneva, was an associate professor of public health at the University of Auckland, and now he heads up the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs. Chris Laidlaw talks to Colin Tukuitonga about his life, and the challenges and opportunities facing Pacific Islanders both in New Zealand and the islands. From the Ideas collection: Influential Kiwis talk about their Influences