Public Health & Social Policy
News and Features
Pedro van der Ent
Director, Business Development - Pacific
pedro.vanderent@auckland.ac.nzMore about Pedro
Pedro van der Ent leads Pacific strategic engagement and partnership development for UniServices, connecting the University鈥檚 research capability with the priorities of Pacific governments, regional organisations, and international funders to develop impactful programmes across the region.
He works closely with Pacific Island governments, CROP agencies, and development partners including ADB, the World Bank, MFAT, DFAT, SPC, and SPREP on initiatives spanning climate resilience, infrastructure, environmental governance, health, education, and economic development.
With more than two decades of senior leadership experience across the public, private, and research sectors, Pedro specialises in building trusted partnerships and mobilising collaborative programmes across the Pacific and Asia-Pacific. Of Pacific heritage, he is committed to advancing Pacific-led solutions that translate research into practical outcomes for communities.
Simon Crook
Partnerships & Innovation Manager - Business Innovation
simon.crook@auckland.ac.nzSimon is a UniServices Partnership and Innovation Manager focused on enabling applied research in the areas of Infrastructure and Logistics. His background is in business engagement, communications, and media analysis. By translating academic research into tangible solutions for industry and government partners,
Simon ensures that the hard mahi undertaken by research professionals at Waipapa Taumata Rau reaches the people and problems where it can have the greatest positive impact. Contact Simon about unlocking research opportunities in the areas of Infrastructure, Business Logistics, and/or Geoeconomics.
Kerryn Kilkenny
Director, Partnerships & Innovation - Strategic Growth
kerryn.kilkenny@auckland.ac.nzMore about Kerryn
Kerryn has been with UniServices since 2018, joining from publisher SpringerNature, where she held commercial and product management roles in New Zealand, England and Australia. With an MSc in Pharmacology and Physiology, she has an interest in drug development. Contact her about opportunities for research in infectious diseases.
Stacey Strang
Partnership and Innovation Manager 鈥� Population Health & Mental Health
stacey.strang@auckland.ac.nzStacey has been with UniServices since 2020. Her focus on population health and mental health solutions. She previously worked as a health funder and has a Master of Public Health.