Donation from Pasifika Medical Association to go towards student packs for areas worst affected in Tonga

Updates / News, 1 Feb 22

Acting High Commissioner Peter Lund and Captain Geoff Bright presented a donation of TOP$10,000 from the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) in Aotearoa New Zealand to Lord Viliami Tangi o Vaonukonuka, the Association’s patron. The funds were delivered to Tonga by the HMNZS Aotearoa via the ship’s Chief Medical Officer.

With the new school year getting underway, Lord Tangi said the funds will be used to purchase 200 education packs for primary and secondary students and showed us examples of the packs. The intention is for students in the worst affected areas on Tongatapu and the Outer Islands to receive the packs.

Pasifika Medical Association Chief Executive Debbie Sorensen said “the Association is appreciative of the assistance of the New Zealand Defence Force and the New Zealand High Commission in enabling us to provide immediate support to families so that children could return to school. The Kingdom of Tonga has many distinguished PMA members including Hon Dr Saia Piukala, Minister for Health and of course our patron Lord Tangi.

This is what kainga do in times of trouble, we stand beside each other and share our sorrows and strengths. We have a long standing ‘heart’ connection with Tonga and as an organisation we are humbled to provide this support. Our members from New Zealand, the region and indeed the rest of the world continue to pray for His Majesty, the Royal Family and the Kingdom.

‘Oku lelei ‘a e ‘Otua.”

- sourced from New Zealand High Commission, Nuku'alofa, Tonga

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