The biggest challenge faced by Pacific nations in maintaining consistent public health is the loss of its workforce says Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Pasifika Medical Association Group, Debbie Sorensen.

The New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) releases its latest journal for their April 12th 2024 edition. This edition’s editorial piece is written by Jude Ball, Janine Nip and Janet Hoek, under the title, Legalising smokeless tobacco and/or oral nicotine products: some implications for population health, which has generated a growing interest from various media with this as a response to New Zealand (NZ) previously having had the smokefree legislation in place.

The inaugural Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame (PRHOF) was held on Thursday evening at Eden Park in Auckland, marking a historic event for Pacific communities in New Zealand and internationally. Some of rugby's biggest names walked the grounds of the Garden of Eden once again, but this time to acknowledge seven legendary Pacific stalwarts of rugby and their tremendous contribution to the sport.

It has been over a year since the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group was formally awarded the contract to deliver the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) program, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Since then, the program has seen significant impact in the six Pacific countries the NZMTS supports, including Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Tonga.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) has deployed Whanganui-based orthopaedic surgeon, Dr John van Dalen, to Vaiola Hospital in Tonga as part of the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), which is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). This visit contributes to the program's goal of maximising opportunities for capability building, as well as strengthening local health services in six Pacific countries.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is pleased to announce Dr Lupe Taumoepeau (FRACS) as the newest Board Director of the PMA Group Board. As New Zealand’s first female vascular surgeon and the only Pacific Island female vascular surgeon in Australasia, Dr Taumoepeau comes with an extensive background in leadership and a passion in developing the Pacific health workforce. Dr Taumoepeau previously served as a Board Director on the Pasifika Medical Association Membership (PMAM) Board.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has announced Dr Kiki Maoate as the new Chair of Fatu Fono Ola (the National Pacific Health Senate).

This edition’s editorial piece is written by Mark Elwood. Its title, Cancer outcomes in New Zealand and other countries: how are we doing?

The Pasifika Medical Association Membership (PMAM) formally announces the appointment of Dr Xaviour Walker to the PMAM Board as the newest Board Director. Dr Walker comes with a wealth of experience in the space of academia and is a Consultant Geriatrician in Internal Medicine at Te Whatu Ora Southern, Dunedin Hospital in addition to being a Senior Lecturer for the University of Otago.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group, through the PMA Knowledge Hub, hosted the inaugural cohort of its 12 week micro-credential course, developed in partnership with the University of Auckland. The commencement of the course will see students navigate various material, equipping them with the knowledge and skillset to contribute to improving the wellbeing outcomes for Pacific families.

Dr Maryann Heather, Board Member for Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Membership and Senior Lecturer for the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Science, has served in the medical field for twenty-five years, working both in primary care and as an educator. Currently the Clinical Director at Etu Pasifika South Auckland, Dr Heather is an avid champion for investing knowledge and skills into the next generation of healthcare specialists. 

The New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) releases its third issue for the year since announcing its open access model at the end of 2023.