Hailing from Kailua-Kona in Hawai'i, Dr Zanetta Toomata is currently a postdoctoral research fellow, affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Genomic Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard.

For Monica Tarabo, midwifery is more than a profession – it is a calling. Based in Kiribati, Monica is a Midwifery Educator at the Kiribati School of Nursing and Midwifery, where she is helping to shape the next generation of midwives while working to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies across her country.

On the ground in Hihifo, Tonga, one message was clear: mental health starts at home.

Community pharmacist, Natalia Nu'u, is first generation NZ-born Samoan, hailing from the villages of Vailoa Faleata and Lalovaea. Working between Auckland and Wellington, she co-owns a pharmacy in Hillsborough, Auckland, is a Member of the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand, will become the Chair of the Finance and Risk Management Committee later this month and is a Founding Member and Treasurer on the Executive Committee for the Pacific Pharmacists' Association.  

For Dr Inosi Salababa, a career in oral surgery wasn't part of the plan. Yet through dedication, faith and a commitment to serving his community, he has become one of Fiji's leading oral surgeons and is helping strengthen specialist healthcare services in the Pacific region.

A major new Health Research Council (HRC) grant will support Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, to lead a transformative Pacific-led study focused on improving care for Pasifika women with diabetes in pregnancy (DiP).

Dr Ailsa Wilson has made history as the first Pacific female orthopaedic surgeon in New Zealand, marking a significant milestone for her family, her community, and her Cook Islands heritage.

June marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month across Aotearoa, highlighting the importance of early screening, especially amongst Pacific communities.

Moana Pasifika announces the difficult decision to disband its Super Rugby team after the conclusion of the 2026 season, thanking the community for its unwavering support.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) will be celebrating their 30th anniversary at their annual PMA Conference, which will be held at Fale Ma'ama - PMA Offices in Auckland, New Zealand, from the 5th - 7th August 2026. This Conference will honour thirty years of legacy under the theme: "The pathway to leadership is service – showcasing 30 years of service, innovation and excellence."

Registrations are now open for the PMA Conference 2026, marking 30 years of Pacific leadership in health.

Two medical professionals from the Vanuatu National Hospital have recently completed an oncology placement at Rotorua Hospital, gaining hands-on experience that will help strengthen cancer care services back in their home country.