The success of last year’s sold-out gala event, which raised over $155,000, saw two new scholarships established this year – the Elizabeth Powell Nursing Scholarship and the Professor Sitaleki Finau Scholarship. 

With only a fraction of the New Zealand medical workforce being of Pacific descent, PMA is dedicated to supporting the current Pacific health workforce as well as encouraging future Pacific students to take up health as a career. 

PMA CEO, Debbie Sorensen, says PMA has been championing excellence in healthcare and practice throughout New Zealand and the region since 1996. 

“To acknowledge this service and commitment, members of the Association established the Pasifika Medical Association Education Fund, which provides study grants and support to Pacific secondary and tertiary students focused on a career in health and Pacific doctors and nurses to undertake short courses and study tours,” she says. 

“We would not be able to provide these opportunities without your special support of our annual Charity Ball & Auction.” 

PMA has awarded $570,000 in scholarships to 71 Pacific students and trainees since 2019.  

PMA Memberships Chair, Dr Jitoko Cama, says it’s crucial that together, we work towards increasing the number of well-trained Pacific health professionals to serve the growing Pacific population. 

“The continuous endorsement of our work through support for events and attendance at our Charity Ball will ensure we can strengthen the Pacific health workforce capacity and capability to meet the health needs of our Pacific communities and families.”  

Tickets to the 2023 PMA Charity Ball and Auction are on sale now at membership.pacifichealth.org.nz/charity-ball-2023