PMA CEO, Debbie Sorensen, emphasised the significance of honouring people during their lifetime. 

"Tonight is about you. It’s about celebrating your achievements, your legacy, and the incredible impact you’ve had in your communities while you’re here to witness it." 

The PMA Service Awards celebrate individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to their local communities, while Life Member Awards honour long-serving health professionals part of the PMA family, dedicated to improving Pacific health outcomes. For the first time, a Special Recognition Award was introduced, acknowledging decades of leadership and transformative contributions to Pacific health. 

Dr. Robert Woonton, the recipient of the Special Recognition Award, was celebrated for his dedication to advancing health outcomes in the Pacific region. A former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and a respected medical practitioner, Dr. Woonton has been a passionate advocate for Pacific health, combining clinical expertise with visionary leadership to drive change across the region. 

We congratulate all our award recipients! 

PMA Service Awards: 

• Rosie Blake BEM: Service to Etu Pasifika Auckland Communities 

• Nuku Rapana: Service to Etu Pasifika Auckland Communities 

• Ailua Makalio: Service to Etu Pasifika Canterbury Communities 

• Professor Roger Mulder FRANZCP: Service to Etu Pasifika Canterbury Communities 

Life Member Awards: 

• Dr. Nick Giblin FRNZCGP, PGDipOG 

• Father Paulo Filoali'i BPhil, MTheo 

• Dr. Titoko Cama FRACS (Paeds) 

• Papa John Pitomaki 

Special Recognition Award: 

• Dr. Robert Woonton