The New Zealand College of Public Health and Medicine (NZCPHM), which oversees the development and standards of public health practitioners in New Zealand, will be steered by Sir Collin Tukuitonga KNZM for the next three years as their President.

The Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG) has kicked off Men's Health Week for 2023! To celebrate, we hear from staff at Etu Pasifika Auckland, Etu Pasifika Canterbury, Pasifika Futures and PMAG as they share about health & well-being, and the importance of talking about it - especially amongst Pacific men. Read their profiles below:

Addressing disparities and promoting empowerment in Pacific health are some of the motivating drivers behind Dr Elsie Brown’s completion of her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

Recently the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) hosted a Pacific Health Day for their Pasifika Chapter; their last Pacific Health Day was held in 2019. The purpose of the event is to bring together Pacific GPs and medical students to connect, network, and provide support for both Pacific GPs and those aspiring to work in General Practice.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group relays heartfelt congratulations to its members, Dr Siale Alokihakau Foliaki and Dr Ofanaite Ana Dewes, who have been named in this year's King's Birthday and Coronation Honours List as Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group congratulates founding PMA Member and Paediatrician, Dr Teuila Percival QSO, who will be made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to health and the Pacific community, following the announcement of this year's King's Birthday Honours List.

Inspired by his paternal grandmother who served as a nurse in Tonga, Dr Ha'ano Fonua pursued medicine at university and is now working as a Junior Doctor at Middlemore Hospital, with Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau. Dr Fonua was also a recipient of PMA's Dr Leopino Foliaki University of Auckland Scholarship in 2020.

Monson Prouting was the recipient of the 2021 Papaali'i Dr Semisi Ma'ia'i scholarship and we caught up with him after his graduation from the University of Otago.

As the people of Tonga continue to mourn the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili, tributes continue to flow for the Princess, with reflections and memories being shared from Tonga and the world. Among these reflections are those of Lord Viliami Tangi 'o Vaonukonuka, Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Patron, who shares in the grief of the Pacific nation as he fondly recalls working with the Princess.

Recipient of the PMA Dr Leopino Foliaki Scholarship in 2020 and a graduate from the University of Auckland, Dr Vaihola Mausa, pursued medicine when encouraged by a Careers Advisor in high school to explore the option. Dr Mausa is now in her second year as a House Officer at Auckland Hospital, completing an Orthopaedics run.

Samoan/Tongan Physiotherapist and PMA Member, Lilo Oka Sanerivi, is currently representing New Zealand on the world stage at the World Physiotherapy General Meeting held in Dubai. Hailing from the villages of Matautu-Uta, Lefaga in Upolu, and Fusi, Safotulafai in Savaii, he holds his culture and language close to him in his work, as well as with his small business 'Ma'au', publishing bilingual Pacific language books for children with his wife.

The Pasifika Medical Association’s (PMA) fourth annual Charity Ball is set to take place on Friday 18 August 2023 at the Cordis in Auckland. As one of PMA’s major calendar events, the ball will raise funds for PMA’s Education Fund, which are distributed through a variety of scholarships.