PMA welcomes establishment of National Pacific Health Senate
Updates / News, 18 Apr 23
The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) congratulates members of the PMA family who have been named in Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand's recently established National Pacific Health Senate. PMAG Board Director, Sir Collin Tukuitonga, has been appointed as the Chair; PMA President, Dr Kiki Maoate ONZM and Etu Pasifika Canterbury Board Director, Dr Tule Misa, have been named as members for the group.

The advisory group will provide strategic advice to Te Whatu Ora as a means of delivering more equitable outcomes for Pacific communities in New Zealand. Sir Collin Tukuitonga says it is a great opportunity to address equity issues. 

"A key focus for us is in regards to equity issues, especially access to specialist services. Te Whatu Ora is interested in us helping them to address the chronic problems that exist, particularly in relation to equity challenges.  

"There's a depth of expertise that has been appointed to the group and they will bring important perspectives to the table." 

In an interview for New Zealand Doctor, PMA President, Dr Kiki Maoate ONZM, says the work of the group will benefit all communities. 

"Everybody is doing their bits and pieces [for Pacific communities], and most of us are involved across the spectrum of all of it, so hopefully we can help bring it all together and mould it into a working framework that will not just benefit Pacific people, but everybody. 

 "With these things, forget the end point, it is about the interface between clinicians and patients, and doing what is good for the patient." 

Etu Pasifika Canterbury Board Director, Dr Tule Misa, says it is a privilege to be part of the National Pacific Health Senate. 

"I'm honoured to be a part of the National Pacific Health Senate; this is an opportunity to come up with strategic directions to improve the health outcomes of our Pacific people. We need to act now to address the inequities around accessing health care services. 

"I look forward to contributing to the discussions regarding oral health of our Pacific people, especially our most vulnerable families. Inequalities around accessing dental care for our children and adolescents is evident and something needs to change." 

PMA CEO, Debbie Sorensen, says she is proud to see fellow colleagues of the PMA family appointed to the National Pacific Health Senate. 

"As an organisation we welcome the establishment of the National Pacific Health Senate. We are also very proud to see members of our PMA family involved in this piece of work. They each bring a unique perspective, leadership and a wealth of experience that is necessary in these conversations."