In recognition of Dietitians Week NZ, we share the story of Finau Taungapea, Director of Health Services and Senior Dietitian at Pacific Trust Otago. Finau’s journey into nutrition and health promotion is deeply personal, sparked by the sudden loss of her father and her commitment to breaking the cycle of poor health in her own family.

Lilo Dr Oka Sanerivi, physiotherapist, academic, and PMA member, is the first Pacific PhD in Physiotherapy! 💥 For Men’s Health Week, he shares some light-hearted but practical insights, plus a bit of his own journey as a Pacific male in health. He is also a proud member of the Centre for Men’s Health at the University of Otago.

Talofa lava, meet Salima Dr Olataga Alofivae Doorbinnia who hails from Sa'anapu and Apolima. For Samoan Language Week, she shares her background as general practitioner living in Southwestern, Sydney.

Noa’ia ‘e Mauri, ‘Otou asa le Rowena Sokimi, faiaksea gagaj atakoa. Meet Rowena Sokimi who is of Rotuman, Fijian, Samoan and German heritage.

The Moana Pasifika Young Women’s Programme for high school girls kicked off today, with the vibrant energy of future leaders filling the room. The programme will run for three days and was opened with a special address from PMA Group and Moana Pasifika CEO, Debbie Sorensen ONZM.

After 50 long years, Ōtāhuhu College is back making waves in the rowing world, and leading the charge is former UCLA rower, Lanea Tuiasosopo. Through the Pasifika Futures (PFL) Sports Strategy, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) donated brand-new uniforms for the team as the students prepared for the Blue Lakes Rowing Regatta in Rotorua, which took place over the weekend; Ōtāhuhu College was the only public South Auckland school participating.

Last night, the Fale Maama space was filled with pride, joy, and celebration as the latest cohort of students graduated from the microcredential course in partnership with the Pasifika Medical Association and the University of Auckland. This pioneering course, which aims to improve wellbeing outcomes for Pacific families, has made a lasting impact on the health and leadership of Pasifika communities.

Solomon Islands Language Week is a timely and important occasion to celebrate the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the Solomon Islands, and to raise awareness about the challenges of preserving native languages in an ever-changing world. Dr Maryanne One’asi Harihiru Koraa’i, a paediatrician with a special interest in paediatric cardiology, is one such advocate for preserving her heritage.

This week, Aotearoa New Zealand is celebrating Papua New Guinea (PNG) Pidgin Language Week, a milestone for the PNG community with this being the first time that it is part of the official calendar of the language weeks. We spoke to Esther Paraka, a Financial Administrator under the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG), who was born and raised in PNG, about her pride and joy in celebrating her roots.

Meet Dr Whitney Ato Ruape, hailing from the beautiful island of Papua New Guinea. She is currently a Paediatric Registrar training in Goroka Provincial Hospital, located in the Eastern Highlands Province.

Over 500 people participated in Moana Pasifika’s much anticipated Netball Festival on Saturday 19 October 2024, bringing together over 45 netball teams of all age and skill levels to the Auckland Netball Centre. 

Meet Dr Tarucilla Tatui, Pasifika Medical Association Member and General Practitioner at Etu Pasifika South Auckland. Born and raised in Niue, hailing from the beautiful village of Fineone, Hakupu Atua, located om the southeastern side of Niue. This year for Niue Language Week, Dr Tatui shares her passion for her culture and her efforts promoting Vagahau Niue – Niuean Language.