Our Story | PMAGroup

A Rich History of
Service & Excellence

Our Vision

Prosperous Pacific Communities

Our Story

Formed in 1996 as an Incorporated Society, Pasifika Medical Association was established by a group of Pacific medical professionals who identified a need for an association which brought together and provided a forum for Pacific medical professionals including doctors, medical students and other health professionals.

When the early navigators of the Pacific health sector established PMA it was intended to provide a haven to nurture and grow Pacific health professionals. As the organisation has prospered through the voluntary efforts of its executive committees, members and many sponsors and supporters, it has grown to become a leader in workforce development in the region. The commitment shown then is the same today – in fact the commitment may indeed be even stronger.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is “Providing opportunities to enable Pacific people to reach their aspirations”.

Guiding Values

Leadership

We will lead with courage and humility.

Diversity

Is respected and celebrated, there is a place for everyone.

Integrity

We will act with integrity in all that we do, operating in a transparent and fair manner.

Community

Is the heart of who we are and influences all that we do.

Strength-based

We focus on opportunities and build on our collective strength.

Relationships

Are important and will be based on trust, care, respect and reciprocity.

Shared Responsibility

Working together with families, communities and partners to improve outcomes.

Service

We exist to serve communities with grace.

Our Strategy

Our Board Members

NMZN, FRANZCP, FACHAM

Executive Director

Sir Collin Tukuitonga

KNZM, FNZCPHM

Executive Director

Our Chief Executive

Mrs Debbie Sorensen

D.C.C.T, CMInstD, MNZIOD
Chief Executive Officer

Debbie Sorensen is the CEO of the Pasifika Medical Association Group of charitable companies and Pasifika Futures the Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency for Pacific families in New Zealand. Debbie has been instrumental in the development of Pacific health services in New Zealand over the past 30 years including as the first Chief Advisor Pacific Health to the Minister of Health. She has led the development of the Pasifika Medical Association group over the past 15 years transforming it into the largest Non-Governmental Pacific organisation in the region.

Debbie is an experienced Company Director holding current governance roles as Vice Chair Moana Pasifika Rugby and a Trustee of the Milford Foundation. She has recently been appointed as a member of the Te Niwha Steering Group – the Infectious Diseases Research Platform. She is a member of the Health Advisory Committee for the Privy Council to His Majesty King Tupou VI and is a Strategic Advisor to Te Marae Ora Cook Islands. Debbie is a member of the Pacific Expert Advisory Committee to Hon Minister Barbara Edmonds and has previously served for 11 years as a trustee of the Fred Hollows Foundation, was a founding Chair of Make a Wish Pacific and is a Chartered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. Debbie was invested in 2015 as a Commander of the Royal Crown of Tonga by His Majesty Tupou V for her work in the health sector in Tonga.

Our Executive Team