Catherine Tu’akalau, a proud Tongan and Samoan, has recently been appointed to the Pasifika Medical Association Membership Board. With a strong background in nursing, she opened up about the inspiration behind stepping into this important role.

With the region facing some of the world’s highest rates of rheumatic heart disease and limited access to congenital heart disease treatment, paediatric cardiology needs has been a longstanding priority for the PMA. Through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), PMA deploys specialist teams under its Visiting Medical Team provision – bridging gaps in care and ensuring that children receive the treatment they need.

[via NZ Herald] As Super Rugby 2025 ticks closer, the rugby world waits with bated breath to see what Moana Pasifika achieve, after the club’s most-significant off-season to date.

The Pasifika Medical Association Group’s (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has successfully completed its three-week mission in Vanuatu. Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the deployment provided crucial support to communities impacted by the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila on December 17, 2024.

After 50 long years, Ōtāhuhu College is back making waves in the rowing world, and leading the charge is former UCLA rower, Lanea Tuiasosopo. Through the Pasifika Futures (PFL) Sports Strategy, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) donated brand-new uniforms for the team as the students prepared for the Blue Lakes Rowing Regatta in Rotorua, which took place over the weekend; Ōtāhuhu College was the only public South Auckland school participating.

The Pasifika Medical Association’s (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pacific communities in crisis, deploying to Vanuatu following the devastating earthquake that struck Port Vila. The earthquake severely disrupted critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, water supplies, and power systems.

The Pasifika Medical Association’s Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) have been in Vanuatu for 18 days in response to the devastating earthquake that struck Port Vila on 17 December 2024. The team has provided comprehensive medical and psychosocial support to affected communities.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) have been in Vanuatu for 11 days as part of their deployment, responding to the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu, providing essential medical and mental health support to affected communities. The mission is supported by the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and remains ongoing, with significant progress made so far.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is proud to announce that our Chief Executive, Debbie Sorensen, has been acknowledged in the prestigious New Year’s Honours List. A proud mother, grandmother, wife, and daughter of Tonga, Debbie has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her services to Pacific health.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has been deployed to Vanuatu in response to the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila on 17 December 2024. Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the mission will see the team provide mental health and psychosocial support to local communities affected by the natural disaster, led by the Vanuatu Ministry of Health.

The Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG) and New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) have formalised their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership reflects both organisations' commitment to enhancing the well-being and opportunities of Pacific families through sport.

A New Zealand cancer survivor used the traditional Cook Islands headwear, ei katu, to conceal her illness from her elderly mother for 18 months, highlighting the emotional toll of cancer and the importance of support systems.