Good vision plays a vital role in how we live, work, and stay connected to the people and places that matter most. Samoan ophthalmologist Tofilau Dr Alistair Papali'i-Curtin shares why eye health deserves greater attention in our Pacific communities—especially during the high-UV summer months in Aotearoa.

Almost two weeks into the new year, we continue to highlight the importance of keeping healthy, both physically and mentally.

In Pacific communities, resilience is often worn as a badge of honour — a quiet expectation to keep showing up, giving more, and carrying on no matter the cost. But new research, led by Asetoa Sam Pilisi, suggests these expectations can also mask significant experiences of burnout among Pacific adults.

The Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA) acknowledges the findings of the Independent Review into Pasifika Futures’ former role as a Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency, released today by Te Puni Kōkiri.

My name is Esther Saweri, and I am a Registered Nurse currently based in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand. I come from one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, Papua New Guinea (PNG). While PNG is known for having over 800 languages, one of our three official languages is Tok Pisin.

The Pasifika Medical Association’s Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has officially been verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Type 1 Mobile Emergency Medical Team, an international recognition that confirms the team’s ability to deliver quality, timely healthcare in emergencies across the Pacific and Aotearoa.

We would like to inform you that the Pasifika Medical Association Conference, originally planned for September 15-17, 2025, will now be held at a later date. This adjustment allows us to ensure the event continues to meet the high standards expected by our community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is proud to announce that our Chief Executive, Debbie Sorensen, has been acknowledged in the prestigious New Year’s Honours List. A proud mother, grandmother, wife, and daughter of Tonga, Debbie has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her services to Pacific health.