The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Membership Services launched the first of its Pasifika Health Leaders Webinar Series this year, with an inspiring and insightful session led by Pacific health pioneer and PMA founding member, Suitafa Dr Debbie Ryan.

Under the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) funded Vanuatu Earthquake Recovery Support initiative, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group has been selected to implement a range of targeted interventions aimed at fostering long-term resilience and improving community wellbeing. This initiative will focus on extensive community outreach and psychoeducation activities, ensuring that individuals and families not only understand the importance of mental health but also have access to culturally appropriate coping strategies.

PMA Group & Moa­na Pasifika CEO Debbie Sorensen ONZM says that Super Rugby Pacific is in the midst of a genuine resurgence, and this time, the fans are coming along for the ride.

Jess Lagaluga Hutchings, one of two recipients of the inaugural Sir John Logan Campbell Medical Trust Fellowship Travel Grant, is embarking on an exciting journey to expand her research in health equity.

The first female chief executive of a New Zealand-based Super Rugby Pacific team says she doesn’t see herself staying at the helm of Moana Pasifika for long.

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.