The courage, the whispers, the drama. The year 2024 marks the 45th year since Miss Heilala was established. To each household, the legacy of the Miss Heilala pageant sits on a spectrum of excitement and enthusiasm to toxicity and disappointment. Yet, every year the Tongan community both local as well as amongst the diaspora tune in to watch as the contestants vie for the title of Miss Heilala.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is pleased to announce the successful deployment of a specialist colorectal team to the Kingdom of Tonga. This mission, facilitated by the PMA through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) which is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, aims to enhance healthcare capabilities and surgical services at Vaiola Hospital, Nuku’alofa.

The Pasifika Medical Association (Group) is privileged to have been granted an exclusive interview with Her Royal Highness Princess Sālote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita to signify Uike Katoanga'i 'o e Lea Faka-Tonga – Tonga Language Week for 2024.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is gearing up for its 2024 Conference in Christchurch this November. Themed "Living Our Best Lives”, the conference will bring together medical practitioners from across the Pacific to address pressing health issues and highlight the resilience of Pacific health providers.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) reflects on the incredible stories of the fifteen young patients and their families whose lives have been transformed by the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative. Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme, this initiative has been a beacon of hope, bringing life-changing outcomes to these families.

The Sisters United Dream Girl Conference took place at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, bringing together Pasifika girls aged 16-18 for a day of empowerment, education, and creativity.

The Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA) is thrilled to announce that the fifteen young Pacific patients, part of the Uto Bulabula - Healthy Hearts initiative, have been discharged from Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital following successful cardiac surgeries. The hospital marked each discharge with a Gift of Life Ceremony, celebrating the children's renewed health and bright futures.

Kia orana, my name is Cullen Haym Ryan. I am a dentist based at Waikato Hospital, working for Te Whatu Ora. I am of Cook Islands Māori and Irish descent.

In a historic and much anticipated milestone, Vanuatu recently celebrated its first ever pacemaker insertion operations, marking a significant achievement for the Pacific country. This monumental achievement was made possible by the dedicated efforts of a specialist cardiology team deployed through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS).

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is delighted to announce the successful completion of surgeries for the young patients involved in the Uto Bulabula - Healthy Hearts initiative. Fifteen children, some as young as seven months, from Samoa, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji have undergone cardiac surgeries without any complications.

Vave Hifo is a Health Coach at Etu Pasifika Auckland, dedicated to guiding patients on their path to better health. Vave's own journey is one of transformation, having endured a life marked by hardship and grief. As we celebrate ten years of Whānau Ora, Vave opens up about his journey of triumph and the invaluable support he received from the Whānau Ora service. Malo ‘Aupito to Vave for sharing his powerful story with us, one that we hope will deeply inspire you.

For Vanessa Tari, a dedicated mother from Ambae, Vanuatu, the path of sacrifice led her and her seven-year-old son, Junior, to Suva, Fiji, in pursuit of life-saving heart surgery. Junior was the first of 13 children who arrived in Suva to receive cardiac surgery; he has now been discharged with a new lease on life. For Ms Tari, leaving everything behind was an easy choice because it meant saving her son's life. We spoke to her about what this opportunity meant for her and her family.