The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) has welcomed a number of medical and health professionals this morning from across the Pacific region for its inaugural Global Health Symposium, which precedes the annual PMA Conference. Held at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, the Symposium is an opportunity to platform regional work and initiatives in the region, whilst also facilitating a space to network and connect over the shared purpose of serving Pacific communities in the region.

The Ngalu Fānifo Regional Project was one of the key regional initiatives highlighted at Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) inaugural Global Health Symposium. The partnership initiative between PMA and the Australian Government seeks to build the capacity of communities and clinical providers in providing effective and contextualised mental health care and wellbeing in Vanuatu and Tonga.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is committed to advancing impactful solutions through the Ngalu Fānifo Regional Project—a transformative, three-year initiative focused on enhancing mental health services and uplifting communities in Tonga and Vanuatu, in partnership with the Australian Government. This innovative program is set to grow the capacity of clinicians, and health and community providers, supporting them to deliver effective, culturally-anchored mental health care that will make a lasting difference in the lives of their people.

Under the theme "Community is what we create together," members of the Etu Pasifika clinics and the Pasifika Medical Association Group gathered for a meaningful talanoa on mental health over a shared breakfast early this morning. Led by psychiatrist and Etu Pasifika Ngalu Fānifo lead, Dr Staverton Kautoke, members shared profound personal experiences and insights, shedding light on a topic often shrouded in silence, in commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Week.

As the sun begins to set on the western side of Tongatapu, villages in the Hihifo district gather people together to meet at their local community halls and churches, trickling in with their children as the early August breeze slowly settles on their shores. The purpose of their fakataha (meeting)? To have an important talanoa (discussion) about mental health and wellbeing – mo'ui lelei faka'atamai – especially as a coastal district who were directly impacted by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group has partnered with the Australian Government to deliver a three-year programme, the Ngalu Fānifo Regional Project, in Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to improve mental health and wellbeing by strengthening the capacity of health and community providers to provide mental health care.

Day two of the Pasifika Futures (PFL) Whānau Ora Conference has kicked off, with Minister of Whānau Ora, Hon. Tama Potaka, delivering the first keynote speech of the day. He began his address by emphasising the importance of spiritual health and wellbeing, particularly acknowledging the cultural practice of starting with karakia (prayer) and PFL Board Director, Sir Michael Jones’ decision not to play rugby on Sundays.

Clinical Advisor Mental Health for Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) mental health service, Ngalu Fānifo, Dr Siale Foliaki, has worked in the mental health space for Pacific communities for the past twenty years. Speaking to RNZ, Dr Foliaki challenges the prevalent issues faced by Pacific men and mental health.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group relays heartfelt congratulations to its members, Dr Siale Alokihakau Foliaki and Dr Ofanaite Ana Dewes, who have been named in this year's King's Birthday and Coronation Honours List as Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Seini Falefata is a highly experienced nurse who has dedicated her career to providing exceptional service to those in need. Seini is a Registered Nurse at Etu Pasifika Canterbury under the Ngalu Fanifo Mental Health service. She comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise and has served on multiple emergency response deployments as part of PMA's PACMAT team; most recently part of the psychosocial team deployed to Vanuatu following the impact of cyclones in the region.

The Pacific Mental Health Commissioner was officially launched today at the Pasifika Futures (PFL) Whānau Ora Conference. The work of the commissioner will be delivered through PFL's Ngalu Fānifo mental health service. This initiative has been established with the purpose of improving mental health and well-being outcomes for Pacific people, families, and communities.

Pasifika Futures (PFL) – The Whānau Ora Commissioning agency for Pacific families – recently held their inaugural Ngalu Fānifo Mental Health Whānau Ora Graduation at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland.