Throughout the (Masters) programme, Gavin demonstrated a high order of skill in the planning, execution and completion of a piece of research focusing on democratising access to healthcare through Point of Care Testing in the context of the Hepatitis C Virus. The aim was to improve the efficacy of an informally qualified community of testers and their structured inclusion in established systems through leveraging emerging disruptive technologies. The research demonstrates strong engagement with key stakeholders to investigate the challenges in providing accessible Hepatitis C (HCV) testing and treatment. Drawing on the insights, the research proposes a minimum viable product solution (micro-credential) to support peer navigators with patient management and referral tools powered by emerging technology. The work demonstrates a clear commitment to applying Te Whare Tapa Whā as a guiding methodology and framework. Gavin’s final assessment, reporting on his Master’s project, received a Competent outcome and met all learning outcomes with the first examination (no additional requirements needed to be met to receive a Pass grade). Gavin would have an equivalent GPA of an A student, aligned to a 7.8-8 on the 9-point grading scale. I endorse Gavin’s application to pursue a Doctoral Degree. Dr Hayley Sparks,  Phd. Director of Academic Quality

"In my prior role as Academic Director, assessment moderator, and ethics panel representative, I have been able to adjudicate Gavin’s work in the context of his and other masters’ cohorts and I have always been impressed by Gavin’s ability to complete innovative work against the expected timeframe. It would be remise not to mention Gavin’s ability to learn and adapt to new challenges with his very ethical mindset, and how this informs his approach to working with his key stakeholders. The current project is important and a viable research activity with the potential to improve our understanding of effective testing to treat wai ora in the community. And the development of a robust and sustainable mechanism for epidemiological data collection enabling further research and improved understanding of active infection in the community. From my perspective Gavin’s abilities, dedication, and importantly his ideas, warrant support including funding." Dr Craig Hilton, PhD. Biochemistry

As a Needle Exchange researcher and former member of the National Hepatitis C Oversight Committee, I have previously worked with Gavin during his time as Programme Manager for Te Whatu Ora Hepatitis C Elimination Strategy in 2022-2023. I was impressed by his ability, work ethic and commitment to this important work and am delighted to see this now being extended to a research role. Additionally, as an independent researcher, I strongly encourage the HRC to support an emerging researcher presently unaligned with a specific institution. This will facilitate the growth of research capacity in Aotearoa and further develop innovative research practices. I have no doubt that Gavin will harness his considerable determination, skill and innovation in undertaking the proposed research0. Dr Geoff Noller, PhD. Research Fellow, Department of General Practice & Rural Health • Te Tari Mātauranga Rata Whānau me te Hauora Taiwhenua

"I worked closely with Gavin in my role as Chair of the Te Whatu Ora Hepatitis C Oversight Committee and am sure that he has the understanding and skill set required to complete this important research" Professor Ed Gane, MBChB, MD, FRACP, FAASLD, FRSNZ, MNZM. Director New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit

"I am the Regional Program Manager for the Hepatitis C program Te Whatu Ora-Ta Manawa Taki. I am also an Aotearoa New Zealand registered general and obstetric nurse, and was awarded the 2020 Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (CGHE) Global Hepatitis Elimination Champion award. I worked closely with Gavin during his time as National Program Manager for implementation of the national hepatitis C strategy, and found his experience and motivation very beneficial to the program. I am writing in support of, and validation of the clinical content of Mr. Gavin Hooper-Newton’s micro-credential course developed for his project entitled “Democratising access to health through Point of Care Testing” and his charity Health Network Collective. I have had significant involvement in education around Hepatitis C, notably with kaiawhina and non-regulated workforce. This self-managed online micro-credential training will be of value in Aotearoa and will contribute to achieving the current National Hepatitis C Elimination strategy goals of 2030. With reduction in diagnosis and testing for hepatitis C over the last 5 years, reflected by lowered treatment rates, enabling Kaiawhina and our non-regulated workforce through training and providing supported systemized frameworks for wider access to testing in the community will assist in achieving this goal. Gavin’s project will be of further benefit to our communities with the research and outcomes of the project contributing to enabling community-based practice across other community prevalent conditions, and increasing opportunity for health care access by our marginalized and vulnerable populations." Jo de Lisle, RN. Regional Program Manager | Te Whatu Ora-Ta Manawa Taki