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.

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.

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

Dr Cloe Posimani, a recipient of Dr Sitaleki Finau Scholarship 2023 from the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), exemplifies her commitment to the well-being of Pacific communities through her journey in medicine and public health. She proudly represents her Niuean roots and highlights the influence of her father in her career choices.

Dr William May was the recipient of the Pasifika Medical Association's Sir Terepai Tuamure Maoate International Study Award for 2023. Hailing from the island of Vanua Levu in Fiji, Dr May's journey reflects a commitment to social accountability and equity in medical education.

Genevieve TuiSamoa is in her final year of medicine at the University of Otago. She stands as a testament to resilience, familial influence, and a deep commitment to Pacific health. Ms TuiSamoa was a recipient of the Papa’ali’i Dr Semisi Ma’ia’i University of Otago Scholarship 2023. She reflects on her journey and the impact of her familial roots on her pursuit of a medical career.

Delisa Lesa is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science as a stepping stone towards a Masters degree. She is the inaugural recipient of the Elizabeth Powell Nursing Scholarship 2023 from the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA). She has a profound commitment to bridging healthcare disparities and uplifting the Pasifika and Māori communities through her journey in nursing.

Latu 'Akau'ola proudly represents the Kingdom of Tonga with familial ties to the villages of Kanokupolu, Folaha, Makave, and Vava’u. Ms ‘Akau’ola was awarded the Dr Leopino Foliaki University of Auckland Scholarship 2023 by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA). Ms 'Akau'ola is in her final year of medicine and she shares her journey, aspirations, and deep-rooted motivations.

Leataosina Manu-Tanielu, a nursing student at the Manukau Institute of Technology, draws her inspiration from her grandmothers. Born to parents hailing from the villages of Afega and Safa’atoa Lefaga in Upolu, Samoa. Ms Manu-Tanielu is in her final year of Bachelor of Nursing and is the recipient of PMA’s Christina Atoa Tapu Nursing Scholarship 2023.

Meleane Tauveli, a third-year Bachelor of Nursing student at Ara Institute of Canterbury, is not just pursuing a career in healthcare but is on a mission rooted in her familial and cultural ties. Hailing from the villages of Fakakai and Tu’anekivale through her father and Kolofo’ou in Niuafo’ou through her mother, Meleane is the recipient of the Violani 'Ilolahia Wills Nursing Scholarship 2023.

PMA Member and Orthopaedic Registrar, Dr Charlotte Fakahau is part of a project in Tonga, led by Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr John van Dalen, addressing critical orthopaedic needs in a nation where specialised care is scarce.

George Powell is in his fifth year of medical school at the University of Auckland and hails from Pangaimotu in Vava’u, Tonga. Mr Powell has been honoured with the prestigious Dr Leopino Foliaki University of Auckland Scholarship for 2023.