Dr Williams who has more than 50 years’ services as a general practitioner, medical researcher, mentor, health advocate, and director of the Integrated Family Health Centre in Mt Wellington was stunned by the announcement.

“I was honoured to be asked to take up the position of patron for the PMA. The work they do is extremely important to strengthening the Pacific health workforce and meeting the health needs of Pacific people in the region.”

“I’m a believer that it takes a village to raise a child – meaning everyone has a part to play in creating a better community. If I can help PMA by lending my encouragement to their board and staff, I am honoured.”

“I intend to be an active supporter and motivator of the organisation – not just a Patron in name,” says Dr Williams.

While PMA services involve a network of Pacific health professionals, it is their service to the community and unrelenting support to further develop and strengthening the Pacific health workforce that wins Dr Williams heart.

The President of the PMA, Dr Kiki Maoate says, “Having Dr Williams agree to be our patron is a perfect fit for our organisation.”

“The Board unanimously approved to make the official announcement at this year’s PMA conference in Vanuatu, where the biggest single meeting of Pacific health professionals in the Pacific including Australia and New Zealand takes place.”

Dr Williams’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of Pacific people and his support for the work PMA do throughout the region gave the Board a strong vote of confidence.

“We are looking forward to involving Dr Williams in our future meetings and gain further support from the wider Pacific health community,” says Dr Maoate.

Dr Williams is a trained doctor, a Cook Islands politician who served as Prime Minister of the Cook Islands in 1999, author of new book Eczema and is resided in Auckland.