ACE Conference 2026
Master of Ceremonies
Dr Edmond Fehoko
Co-Chair of the board, ACE Aotearoa
Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition
Associate Dean Pacific, University of Otago
Dr Edmond Fehoko is one of those rare people who combines serious academic credentials with genuine, grounded community leadership. A Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition and Associate Dean Pacific at the University of Otago's Division of Sciences, his research sits at the intersection of Pacific health, wellbeing, and culture, examining everything from nutrition and food systems to digital wellbeing, addiction, and male infertility through culturally grounded methodologies like Talanoa.
He is committed to "by Pacific, for Pacific" research that does not just produce findings. It strengthens cultural integrity, builds leadership pipelines, and creates equitable outcomes for Pacific communities in Aotearoa and across the Pacific region. As Co-Chair of ACE Aotearoa and a board member for SIAOLA Tongan Methodist Church and the Centre for Pacific Languages, Dr Fehoko is deeply embedded in the sector he will be emceeing. He does not just know this kaupapa. He lives it.
If you were at the ACE Aotearoa Awards 2025, you already know what Dr Fehoko brings to a room. He had the audience laughing, leaning in, and thoroughly entertained from start to finish. Now he brings that same energy to the ACE Conference stage across two full days in Tāmaki Makaurau, and we cannot wait to see him in action.