Since December 2022, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group has had the privilege of driving meaningful change and growth in the lives of Pacific people through the delivery of the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS).

Dr Fiona Perelini’s recent appointment to the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Membership Board represents a significant step in her journey to support and uplift Pacific health professionals while advancing health equity for Pacific communities. Her passion for giving back, coupled with her extensive experience as a paediatric intensive care specialist, uniquely positions her to contribute to this role.

As we mark Heart Health Awareness Month, we celebrate stories of hope and resilience, like that of George Iulio from Moata’a, Samoa, made possible through the Uto Bulabula Healthy Hearts initiative.

Dr Joshua Agnew, a recent addition to the Pasifika Medical Association Membership (PMAM) Board, is a dedicated paediatrician and advocate for Pacific healthcare. With a career rooted in the child health sector and a connection to his Cook Islands heritage, Dr Agnew’s appointment to the PMAM Board comes as a natural extension of his commitment to improving health outcomes for Pacific communities.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is proud to have two of its esteemed leaders contributing their expertise on mental health at the Global Mental Health in Asia 2025 Conference, taking place 17 to 19 February. Debbie Sorensen ONZM, CEO of PMA, and Dr. Etuini Ma’u, PMA Member and Consultant Psychiatrist with Te Whatu Ora Waikato, will represent PMA as panelists, bringing vital Pacific perspectives to the international conversation on mental health.

The New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) continues to strengthen Pacific health services by supporting capacity-building opportunities for Pacific health professionals. In line with this commitment, NZMTS supported Dr. Sione Pifeleti, Head of ENT, and ENT Registrar Dr. Maria Ah Kuoi from Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital to attend the Global Hearing Health Conference in Wellington this January. Founded by the Coalition of Global Hearing Health, the conference brought together global experts to discuss challenges and innovations in hearing healthcare, fostering collaboration and collective problem-solving.

Catherine Tu’akalau, a proud Tongan and Samoan, has recently been appointed to the Pasifika Medical Association Membership Board. With a strong background in nursing, she opened up about the inspiration behind stepping into this important role.

With the region facing some of the world’s highest rates of rheumatic heart disease and limited access to congenital heart disease treatment, paediatric cardiology needs has been a longstanding priority for the PMA. Through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), PMA deploys specialist teams under its Visiting Medical Team provision – bridging gaps in care and ensuring that children receive the treatment they need.

[via NZ Herald] As Super Rugby 2025 ticks closer, the rugby world waits with bated breath to see what Moana Pasifika achieve, after the club’s most-significant off-season to date.

The Pasifika Medical Association Group’s (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has successfully completed its three-week mission in Vanuatu. Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the deployment provided crucial support to communities impacted by the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila on December 17, 2024.

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.

The Pasifika Medical Association’s (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pacific communities in crisis, deploying to Vanuatu following the devastating earthquake that struck Port Vila. The earthquake severely disrupted critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, water supplies, and power systems.