At the first light of dawn today, many people across the country will have gathered at their local war memorial to pay their respects to the servicemen and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the New Zealand military. As accounts are shared around the country to commemorate ANZAC Day 2024, Pacific communities are also reminded of the service and sacrifice of Pacific soldiers, specifically contingents from Niue and the Cook Islands, who were enlisted to support New Zealand during the First World War.

Kokoi Aviu is a training facilitator in the Pacific Heartbeat Team for the New Zealand Heart Foundation. She is currently taking the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Knowledge Hub's inaugural micro-credential course, delivered in partnership with the University of Auckland (UoA). The course is aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and skillset to help improve outcomes for Pacific families.

The biggest challenge faced by Pacific nations in maintaining consistent public health is the loss of its workforce says Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Pasifika Medical Association Group, Debbie Sorensen.

The New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) releases its latest journal for their April 12th 2024 edition. This edition’s editorial piece is written by Jude Ball, Janine Nip and Janet Hoek, under the title, Legalising smokeless tobacco and/or oral nicotine products: some implications for population health, which has generated a growing interest from various media with this as a response to New Zealand (NZ) previously having had the smokefree legislation in place.

The inaugural Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame (PRHOF) was held on Thursday evening at Eden Park in Auckland, marking a historic event for Pacific communities in New Zealand and internationally. Some of rugby's biggest names walked the grounds of the Garden of Eden once again, but this time to acknowledge seven legendary Pacific stalwarts of rugby and their tremendous contribution to the sport.

It has been over a year since the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group was formally awarded the contract to deliver the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) program, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Since then, the program has seen significant impact in the six Pacific countries the NZMTS supports, including Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Tonga.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) has deployed Whanganui-based orthopaedic surgeon, Dr John van Dalen, to Vaiola Hospital in Tonga as part of the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), which is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). This visit contributes to the program's goal of maximising opportunities for capability building, as well as strengthening local health services in six Pacific countries.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is pleased to announce Dr Lupe Taumoepeau (FRACS) as the newest Board Director of the PMA Group Board. As New Zealand’s first female vascular surgeon and the only Pacific Island female vascular surgeon in Australasia, Dr Taumoepeau comes with an extensive background in leadership and a passion in developing the Pacific health workforce. Dr Taumoepeau previously served as a Board Director on the Pasifika Medical Association Membership (PMAM) Board.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has announced Dr Kiki Maoate as the new Chair of Fatu Fono Ola (the National Pacific Health Senate).

This year, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group and Moana Women’s Network saw an amazing opportunity to kick off the celebrations for International Women’s Day (IWD) with a bang, hosting the very first IWD Market Day at Fale Ma'ama. The aim was to shine a spotlight on the talented Pasifika female entrepreneurs in our community.

This edition’s editorial piece is written by Mark Elwood. Its title, Cancer outcomes in New Zealand and other countries: how are we doing?

Debbie Mako, a physiotherapist from Papua New Guinea, serves as a source of inspiration for young women aspiring to join the healthcare field.