A former Ōpōtiki woman has been named 2025 Australian University Teacher of the Year.

Leading physiotherapy educator Associate Professor Roma Forbes from the University of Queensland’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences was recognised at the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) for her impact on teaching practice, curriculum innovation and policy.

Dr Forbes grew up Eastern Bay and has very strong connections to Ōpōtiki.

She attended Woodlands Primary School and Ōpōtiki College (class of 2001) before heading away for university.

Like many from small regional towns, her early years were grounded in strong community ties, sport, and whānau, and those experiences continue to shape how she leads and teaches today.

She has often spoken about how growing up in Ōpōtiki gave her a deep understanding of inequity and workforce shortages, and the importance of local role models.

She remains deeply proud of her Eastern Bay roots. She often acknowledges Whakatōhea and the whenua she grew up on when she speaks publicly and credits her upbringing in Ōpōtiki with shaping her resilience and strong sense of responsibility to community.

She also credits her teaching now to great teachers who influenced her at Ōpōtiki College.

Dr Forbes moved to Australia in 2010 to pursue university teaching at the University of Queensland after working in Auckland for several years.

Her work has influenced how health professional programmes prepare graduates for contemporary healthcare, informing curriculum design, professional standards and workforce development across Australia.

“Coming from a background where higher education wasn’t the norm, my teaching and leadership has been shaped by both my clinical experience and lived experience navigating complex healthcare systems,” Dr Forbes said.

“I began my career as a physiotherapist working with people experiencing persistent pain, seeing first-hand how clinical confidence and how we navigate uncertainty affects people’s lives.

“That experience fundamentally shaped my approach to education.

“I believe universities have a responsibility to prepare graduates who can navigate uncertainty, communicate clearly, and provide person-centred care in rapidly changing and complex systems.”

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said the awards provided well-deserved recognition for outstanding educators who are shaping Australia’s future workforce. “I am thrilled to congratulate Roma on this remarkable achievement, which marks the seventh time that a UQ educator has been named Australia’s University Teacher of the Year,” Professor Terry said.

“Roma’s people-centred approach to teaching and learning has been instrumental in the positive graduate outcomes for our health professional programs, supporting students to become confident, compassionate clinicians.

“Roma and her peers are leaders in graduate transition and resilience, so students are equipped with critical skills for the future and ready to contribute positively to their communities.”

Dr Forbes, also a UQ alum, said it was crucial students felt inspired to learn.

“A goal of a teacher is to create spaces where all students are valued so they can build their confidence, raise issues and contribute,” she said.

“Students really engage with a deeply human approach to teaching, which integrates real patient stories and cases, through to authentic assessment.

“This award recognises the collective work of many collaborators, educators, students, clinicians and industry partners who are committed to strengthening how we prepare our future health workforce.”