A pharmacist by background, Niuean PhD student, Jess Lagaluga-Hutchings, recognised the lack of visibility and representation of Pacific peoples within her field, prompting her to explore the contribution of pharmacists in the area of heart health. Ms Lagaluga-Hutchings is the recipient of the inaugural PMA Knowledge Hub Doctoral Scholarship and shares her motivations and aspirations as she pursues her PhD qualification.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) congratulates PMA Board Director, Sir Collin Tukuitonga, on his appointment as a Fellow for the International Science Council (ISC). Recognised for his contributions to Pacific health in his capacity as a Public Health and Policy expert, Sir Tukuitonga joins over 100 new fellows to support the ISC in their mission of promoting science as a global public good.

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.

Through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) recently deployed a paediatric urology team to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji. Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the deployment is part of the NZMTS objective of maximising opportunities for capability building and strengthening local health services.

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.

A significant milestone for the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA) and Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) was unveiled this morning in Christchurch. Staff, stakeholders and partners for PMA and EPC gathered to celebrate the opening of Maoate House, PMA’s newest building created to support the growing operations of the organisation.

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.

The leader of a major Pacific organisation is making the ultimate sacrifice to ensure more women are aware of the dangers of breast cancer.

Aliesha Taramai is a determined and compassionate medical student with roots in the Cook Islands. She is in her fifth year of medical school and this year she has been awarded PMA's Papa’alil’i Dr Semisi Ma’ia’i Scholarship.

Tongan Surgeon and PMA Member, Dr Alamea Aholelei, was nominated by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) to be part of the recent International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the United States. The distinguished program had its very first Pacific cohort, which saw a number of Pacific leaders from around the region come together to learn and talanoa around the theme of 'Public Health and Climate Crisis'. Dr Aholelei shared about the journey she embarked on over the three week program and the inspiration she took from the experience.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) have partnered with the University of Auckland through the PMA Knowledge Hub to develop a 15 week micro-credential course (Improving wellbeing outcomes for Pacific families); a first of its kind, the course is now open for applications and will commence in 2024.