Hailing from Kailua-Kona in Hawai'i, Dr Zanetta Toomata is currently a postdoctoral research fellow, affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Genomic Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard.

For Monica Tarabo, midwifery is more than a profession – it is a calling. Based in Kiribati, Monica is a Midwifery Educator at the Kiribati School of Nursing and Midwifery, where she is helping to shape the next generation of midwives while working to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies across her country.

For Dr Inosi Salababa, a career in oral surgery wasn't part of the plan. Yet through dedication, faith and a commitment to serving his community, he has become one of Fiji's leading oral surgeons and is helping strengthen specialist healthcare services in the Pacific region.

A major new Health Research Council (HRC) grant will support Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, to lead a transformative Pacific-led study focused on improving care for Pasifika women with diabetes in pregnancy (DiP).

Dr Ailsa Wilson has made history as the first Pacific female orthopaedic surgeon in New Zealand, marking a significant milestone for her family, her community, and her Cook Islands heritage.

Moana Pasifika announces the difficult decision to disband its Super Rugby team after the conclusion of the 2026 season, thanking the community for its unwavering support.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) will be celebrating their 30th anniversary at their annual PMA Conference, which will be held at Fale Ma'ama - PMA Offices in Auckland, New Zealand, from the 5th - 7th August 2026. This Conference will honour thirty years of legacy under the theme: "The pathway to leadership is service – showcasing 30 years of service, innovation and excellence."

Two medical professionals from the Vanuatu National Hospital have recently completed an oncology placement at Rotorua Hospital, gaining hands-on experience that will help strengthen cancer care services back in their home country.

A visiting team of urology specialists has recently completed a deployment to Tonga, delivered through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), working alongside clinicians at Vaiola Hospital to provide specialist surgical care while supporting the continued development of local clinical capacity.

PMA founding member and Director of Moana Connect, Dame Teuila Percival, has been inducted as one of 13 new Fellows of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, recognising her longstanding leadership and contribution to health and research across the Pacific.

Pacific nurses are playing a critical role in helping patients and families navigate Aotearoa New Zealand’s healthcare system, with new research highlighting how often they step in to bridge language barriers in clinical settings.

PMA Board Member and Director of the University of Auckland’s Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga has been inducted as one of 13 new Fellows of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, recognising his leadership and longstanding contribution to health and research across the Pacific. The Fellows were formally inducted at the Academy’s inaugural congress held last month in Apia, Samoa.