Beyond the rugby field: unyielding resilience and dedicated public service
Greg Mullany, Ngāti Kahungunu, Cook Islands, was born in Heretaunga Hastings. He spent his childhood in Flaxmere, where the comings and goings of a transient Māori and Pacific Island family shaped life. “Like many Polynesian families, we lived in lower-income neighbourhoods and faced our share of challenges,” Greg recalls. “But we make the best of the life we are given.”
Growing up, Greg learned to appreciate the strength of family, the value of community, and the importance of resilience. These lessons would guide him throughout his life, from his outstanding rugby career and recovery from severe brain injury to his public health work today.
Left: Playing for the Wellington Māori against Canterbury Māori in 2014; Middle: Playing in the Jubilee Cup semi-final in 2018; Right: Playing for Poneke Football Club against Norths in 2016
A rugby journey across the globe
Greg’s love for rugby became apparent early on. His skill on the field set the stage for an incredible journey that took him around the world. “I was fortunate enough to travel the world for free playing rugby, visiting places like Cork, Ireland; Lisbon, Portugal; Melbourne, Australia; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Brisbane, Australia, before settling in Wellington.”
“Travelling is an education within itself. I’m really grateful it contributed to providing further opportunities such as clothing, housing, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and understanding different ways of life.”
Greg’s rugby journey has taken him locally and internationally. One standout moment was his time with the Old Boys University Rugby Club in Wellington, where he helped secure a local championship. Another key highlight of his career was representing the Wellington Māoris during his final five years of playing. This year, Greg was honoured with the opportunity to serve as an assistant coach for the team – a role he describes as a huge honour and privilege.
On the international stage, Greg proudly represented the Cook Islands in 7s and 15s rugby. “Captaining the team at the Hong Kong 7s and competing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow were surreal experiences,” he says. “Winning the Oceania Cup in Port Moresby with my twin brother Matthew Mullany was another career-defining moment. It felt incredible to honour our mother and our heritage on such a stage.”
Left: Matt and Greg after training for the Cook Islands Rugby World Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong in Rarotonga in 2018; Right: Matt and Greg won the Oceania Cup in Papua New Guinea in 2014
Academic pursuits and a new path
Driven to make a difference, Greg started his new journey for a Bachelor of Health Science at Massey University in 2015. “I was brought to Massey through the broad range of degrees in studying health and to get a university qualification to improve my job prospects,” Greg explains.
Speaking of his Massey journey at the Wellington campus, Greg shares how much he has loved studying on campus and meeting like-minded people across education. He greatly appreciated the support he received, “I’m very grateful to my advisor Dr Penny Truman. Her support and help were incredible throughout my time with Massey as she guided me through my studies and helped me navigate this new chapter in my life.”
Studying public health shaped his career path and approach to community health. “They have helped me get a foot in the door to determine what sort of career I’m looking for. My qualification in health science has given me the confidence to help communities address their own needs,” Greg reflects.
A life-altering event
Greg’s life took an unexpected turn in 2018 when a cycling accident resulted in a traumatic brain injury. “I spent three days in ICU at Wellington Hospital in an induced coma, followed by three months at ABI, a brain injury recovery facility in Lower Hutt. That period became a defining journey of resilience and recovery,” he recalls. “It was one of the toughest times of my life. My wife was seven months pregnant with our first child, which made the experience even more emotionally intense.”
Greg’s recovery showed his resilience and determination. “Faith played a huge role in my journey. It gave me the strength to push through the pain and uncertainty. My family was my anchor and kept me grounded during those challenging months.”
This life-altering experience shaped his view on resilience. Greg shares, “It has made me aware and disciplined to enhance my health. I eat healthily, regularly work out, sleep well, and get lots of community connection as a rugby coach.”
It also prompted Greg to reassess his goals and purpose, which sparked a desire to give back to his community meaningfully.
Making an impact on public health
Today, Greg serves as a Public Health Advisor at Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, where he works on the Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol team. His role involves supporting evidence-based policy interventions and advocating for initiatives that reduce health inequities. “I vet applications on behalf of the Medical Officer of Health, working closely with district licensing committees, councils, and police to minimise alcohol-related harm,” Greg explains.
One of the most rewarding aspects of his work is engaging with culturally significant projects. “We’re currently reviewing a document called Tikanga Māori in District Licensing Hearings by Kristen Maynard, which is a big step forward in embedding Te Tiriti principles into our health policies,” he shares.
He also finds great value in other professional experiences. “Attending some wonderful conferences and networking with others in the same health fields as myself. Learning about the responsibilities we carry into the public domain in health has given me an appreciation of my work in the alcohol regulatory field.”
Despite the progress, Greg acknowledges the challenges in promoting a Te Tiriti-led approach. “We’re still building capacity within our workforce and encouraging external stakeholders to work alongside Māori. There’s a long way to go, but I’m optimistic about it.”
Looking ahead
Greg’s long-term goal is to drive systemic change in public health, particularly in reducing alcohol and smokefree-related harm. “Changing Aotearoa’s drinking culture would be a good starting point,” he says.
For those wanting to make a difference in the public health sector, Greg offers advice: “Serve your family and your people. It is a strength to know your identity and be strong in who you are. You don’t have to know it all before you start. You just have to be willing to keep an open mind and take it step by step, day by day. Work hard to earn your qualifications. Find mentors and the support you need, and pick an organisation you believe in that can affect change and has the resources to do so.”