PMA Conference registrations are now open! Click here for more information & to register.

Sitemap
Explore our sitemap to find what your'e looking for.
Our sitemap is designed to make it easy for you to view all of the information hosted on our website.
Pages
  • Home
    - Pacific Health Professionals Working Together to Meet the Needs of Pacific People.
  • Contact Us
    - We would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact us:
  • Events
    - We host a number of events in the year, including milestone events like our PMA Scholarships, PMA Conference and PMA Charity Ball, as well as smaller events for our membership network and partners.
  • Join
    - Lead the change in our Pacific communities by serving as a member of our PMA network. Join us and discover the unique opportunities to make a difference in your own way.
  • Moana Women's Network
    - The Moana Pacific Women's Network is the beginning of an ecosystem that connects, uplifts and celebrates Pacific women who are emerging and established leaders.
  • Our Journals
    - The Pasifika Medical Association Group owns two medical journals: the Pacific Health Dialog (PHD) and the New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ). Both journals are fundamental in providing research and written pieces from the health and medical industry, both in New Zealand and in the region.
  • Our Story
    - The Pasifika Medical Association is a network of more than 7,000 Pacific health professionals, working collaboratively to strengthen the Pacific health workforce capacity and capability and meet the health needs of our Pacific people in New Zealand and the region.
  • PACMAT Emergency Response
    - The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) is a multidisciplinary team of Pacific medical professionals ready and able to assist international medical institutions in the event of a sudden onset disaster or disease outbreak.
  • Scholarships
    - The Pasifika Medical Association offers a number of scholarships to assist Pacific people into medical and health related careers from its Education Fund. The PMA Scholarship Awards have all been named after distinguished Life Members who have demonstrated exemplary service to improving the health and well-being of Pacific communities.
  • Sitemap
    - Explore our sitemap to find what your'e looking for.
  • Updates
    - Read our latest stories, updates and press releases from our membership network.
Updates
  • "Be a champion" - Dr Maryann Heather encourages returning students
    - Dr Maryann Heather, Board Member for Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Membership and Senior Lecturer for the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Science, has served in the medical field for twenty-five years, working both in primary care and as an educator. Currently the Clinical Director at Etu Pasifika South Auckland, Dr Heather is an avid champion for investing knowledge and skills into the next generation of healthcare specialists.
  • "Niue will always be home in my heart," Dr Tarucilla Tatui
    - Meet Dr Tarucilla Tatui, Pasifika Medical Association Member and General Practitioner at Etu Pasifika South Auckland. Born and raised in Niue, hailing from the beautiful village of Fineone, Hakupu Atua, located om the southeastern side of Niue. This year for Niue Language Week, Dr Tatui shares her passion for her culture and her efforts promoting Vagahau Niue – Niuean Language.
  • A legacy of advocacy and social justice: PMA remembers Māori King Kīngi Tūheitia
    - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group joins Aotearoa New Zealand in expressing their heartfelt condolences to the family of the Māori King, Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, who peacefully passed away at the age of 69 last week. Thousands have gathered at Tūrangawaewae Marae to pay their respects to the Kīngitanga, including guests from around the Pacific region, remembering him for his legacy of social justice and advocacy.
  • ANZAC Day 2024: Tongan doctor reflects on her time as a Medical Officer in NZ Defence Force
    - At the first light of dawn today, many people across the country will have gathered at their local war memorial to pay their respects to the servicemen and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the New Zealand military. As accounts are shared around the country to commemorate ANZAC Day 2024, Pacific communities are also reminded of the service and sacrifice of Pacific soldiers, specifically contingents from Niue and the Cook Islands, who were enlisted to support New Zealand during the First World War.
  • Australasia's only Pacific female vascular surgeon joins PMA Group Board of Directors
    - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is pleased to announce Dr Lupe Taumoepeau (FRACS) as the newest Board Director of the PMA Group Board. As New Zealand’s first female vascular surgeon and the only Pacific Island female vascular surgeon in Australasia, Dr Taumoepeau comes with an extensive background in leadership and a passion in developing the Pacific health workforce. Dr Taumoepeau previously served as a Board Director on the Pasifika Medical Association Membership (PMAM) Board.
  • Collaborative medical treatment a lifeline for young Fijian patient
    - In the Pacific, countless families grapple with the devastating reality that life-saving medical treatments are often out of reach. For one young Fijian boy, this was his lived experience. Struggling with Cushing’s Disease, a hormonal condition with devastating implications, his chances of diagnosis and treatment were challenging in the Pacific.
  • Dr Amanda Noovao-Hill encourages women to see screening as a form of self-empowerment
    - As we observe Gynaecological Awareness Month (GAM), it's crucial to spotlight the voices and efforts of those dedicated to advancing women's health. Dr Amanda Noovao-Hill stands out as a prominent figure in this field, with a rich background in obstetrics and gynaecology, and a commitment to improving sexual and reproductive health across the region.
  • Etu Pasifika and PMA staff share important talanoa on mental health
    - 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.
  • Fijian Doctor Championing Women's Health and Gynaecological Cancer
    - In the spirit of Fiji Language Week, we celebrate the journey of Dr Silipa Naiqiso, a Gynaecological Oncologist whose roots and heart are deeply intertwined with Fiji. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, she represents the cultural heritage of her homeland while focusing on women's health and wellbeing, particularly within her Pacific community.
  • Fostering my Lea Faka-Tonga as a child of the diaspora
    - Malo e lelei, My name is Dr. Sela Finau and I am a proud daughter of the Pacific. I am currently in my second year of being a junior doctor at Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland. I hail from the villages of Tatakamotonga, Haveluloto, Niutoua and Lofanga from the Kingdom of Tonga.
  • Global Health Symposium Speaker Profile: Dr Kirsten Finucane
    - Dr Kirsten Finucane, who recently retired as Head of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Starship and Auckland Hospitals after a distinguished 28-year career, will be speaking at the pre-conference Global Health Symposium (GHS) during the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) 2024 conference. The symposium is held on November 25th at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Christchurch.
  • Global Health Symposium to bring together medical and health professionals from across the Pacific
    - The Global Health Symposium is set to convene medical and health professionals from across the Pacific region, aimed at providing a platform for robust discussions and knowledge exchange on global health challenges and innovations. With a focus on regional initiatives, the Symposium will precede the annual Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference as one of the pre-conference workshops, taking place on Monday 25th November, 2024, at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Christchurch.
  • Leading with heart in Physiotherapy, Rasela-Joy Gibson
    - Rasela-Joy Gibson is committed to inspiring more Pacific students to pursue careers in health and to explore the diverse opportunities within physiotherapy. Hailing from Gataivai, Savaii, and Salua, Manono in Samoa, as well as Ashburton, New Zealand, she currently leads the Allied Health Inpatient Team at Kenepuru Community Hospital, Capital & Coast, and Hutt Valley.
  • Mental health initiative in Tonga informed by the voices of local communities
    - 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.
  • New Pacific Academy of Sciences Launched at CHOGM, Strengthening Regional Scientific Leadership
    - The launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, which took place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, represents a pivotal moment for the Pacific region. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, who gave remarks at the opening event, emphasised the significance of its establishment. “The launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences marks an important milestone in establishing a regional collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge for a prosperous and thriving Pacific Islands region.”
  • Ni-Vanuatu mother breathes sigh of relief after daugther's successful cardiac surgery
    - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group reflects on the stories of families from the Pacific who traveled to Suva through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme’s (NZMTS) innovative project, the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and coordinated by the PMA.
  • NZMJ: Legalising smokeless tobacco and/or oral nicotine products: some implications for population health
    - The New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) releases its latest journal for their April 12th 2024 edition. This edition’s editorial piece is written by Jude Ball, Janine Nip and Janet Hoek, under the title, Legalising smokeless tobacco and/or oral nicotine products: some implications for population health, which has generated a growing interest from various media with this as a response to New Zealand (NZ) previously having had the smokefree legislation in place.
  • NZMTS: A specialists commitment to strengthening Vanuatu's health system
    - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) takes pride in supporting initiatives that foster genuine partnership and collaboration aimed at enhancing health outcomes across the Pacific. Through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), the PMA highlights the dedicated efforts of New Zealand-based gastroenterologist, Dr Adrian Claydon, and the strong, collaborative relationship he has established with the health sector in Vanuatu.
  • NZMTS: Building Health, Saving Lives: Dr Burling's fight for women's health in the Pacific 
    - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group remains deeply committed to advancing women's health in Tonga through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS). In collaboration with the Pacific Alliance of Gynaecology Oncology (PAGO), a dedicated team led by Tongan-descended Gynaecology Oncologist Dr. Michael Burling, and joined by esteemed specialists Dr. Ken Jaaback and Dr. Emma Allanson, focused their efforts on cancer treatment, life-saving surgeries, and training local medical teams to enhance women’s health services. The team was funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
  • NZMTS: Solomon Islands paediatric cardiologist deployed to help strengthen services in Kiribati
    - The World Health Organization reports more than 288,000 lives are claimed every year from Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), with a high concentration of these cases being located in the Pacific. It's prevalence highlights the significant inequality and inequity faced in the region, with limited resources available for people who suffer from this preventable disease. Amidst these dire statistics, we are introduced to Dr. Maryanne Kora’ai, a paediatric cardiologist, who has dedicated the past two decades of her career to addressing RHD.
  • NZMTS: Tongan specialist returns home to serve people through the NZMTS
    - 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.
  • Pacific dentists achieve prestigious ICD Fellowship
    - Three esteemed regional dentists from the Oral Health Pacific Islands Alliance, have achieved a remarkable milestone by being inducted as Fellows of the International College of Dentists (ICD). Through the support of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), the three oral health specialists were able to attend and celebrate their ceremony, held at the Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch. 
  • Pacific Mental Health Commissioner launched at Pasifika Futures Whānau Ora Conference 2023
    - 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.
  • PACMAT attends Singapore Emergency Medical Team inauguration
    - The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) was privileged to witness the Singapore Emergency Medical Team (SGEMT) achieve verification as a World Health Organization (WHO) classified Type 1 Fixed Emergency Medical Team. 
  • PACMAT attends WHO Global EMT meeting in Abu Dhabi
    - The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) continues to solidify its presence on the international stage for disaster and emergency response, as seen at the 6th World Health Organization Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting in Abu Dhabi.
  • PACMAT deployed to Tonga to support 53rd Pacific Islands Forum 
    - At the request of the Tonga Government, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group deployed the PMA Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) last Friday to support the annual Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) leaders meeting, starting today in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, until August 30th 2024. The meeting has seen a significant influx of Pacific leaders gathered in the country's capital to discuss regional issues, solutions and other key items on the agenda.
  • PACMAT deployment to PIFS Leaders' Meeting in Tonga a success
    - The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) have recently returned from their mission in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, where they supported the local health workforce for the 53rd annual Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) leaders' meeting, held on August 26th - 30th 2024.
  • Paediatric palliative care workshop brings together Pacific specialists for important talanoa about palliative care
    - Recently, the University of Auckland (UoA) hosted the Pacific Paediatric Palliative Care Education Programme workshop, bringing together a group of dedicated medical professionals from Fiji, Kiribati, Sāmoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu to explore paediatric palliative care and how it can be applied in their respective countries. The two-day workshop is the first component of the multi-phased paediatric palliative care programme, and was guided by specialist palliative care nurse, Dr. Gemma Aburn, fostering a space to talanoa about best practices in this field who spoke to its criticality.
  • Pediatric hematologist, Dr Siobhan Cross, to share at upcoming Global Health Symposium
    - As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the importance of global health initiatives becomes ever more apparent. Among the distinguished speakers at the upcoming Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Pre-Conference Global Health Symposium is Dr Siobhan Cross, a prominent pediatric hematologist whose work extends to addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by Pacific communities.
  • PMA Inaugural International Women's Day Market Celebrates Women Entrepreneurs
    - This year, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group and Moana Women’s Network saw an amazing opportunity to kick off the celebrations for International Women’s Day (IWD) with a bang, hosting the very first IWD Market Day at Fale Ma'ama. The aim was to shine a spotlight on the talented Pasifika female entrepreneurs in our community.
  • PMA Membership welcomes Tongan Geriatrician and Senior Lecturer to their Board of Directors
    - The Pasifika Medical Association Membership (PMAM) formally announces the appointment of Dr Xaviour Walker to the PMAM Board as the newest Board Director. Dr Walker comes with a wealth of experience in the space of academia and is a Consultant Geriatrician in Internal Medicine at Te Whatu Ora Southern, Dunedin Hospital in addition to being a Senior Lecturer for the University of Otago.
  • PMA Scholarships 2023 Recipient, Dr Cloe Posimani: Dr Sitaleki Finau Scholarship
    - Dr Cloe Posimani, a recipient of Dr Sitaleki Finau Scholarship 2023 from the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), exemplifies her commitment to the well-being of Pacific communities through her journey in medicine and public health. She proudly represents her Niuean roots and highlights the influence of her father in her career choices.
  • PMA welcomes Budget 2024 investment into health and education
    - The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is pleased to see the government's investment into health, announced last week as part of Budget 2024. $8.15 billion is to be invested in health over the next four years, including $3.4 billion in hospital and specialty services and $2.12 billion for primary care and public health.
  • ️Samoan Anesthesiologist and Physician appointed Vice Dean of ANZCA's Faculty of Pain Medicine
    - In a momentous stride forward for both the field of pain medicine and Pacific communities, Fuimaono Satualafaalagilagi Dr Leinani Aiono-Le-Tagaloa has been appointed as the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Pain Medicine, ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists). With a background steeped in dedication, expertise, and advocacy, Dr Aiono-Le-Tagaloa brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to her new role.
  • Tonga & Tiaras
    - 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.
  • Trajectory for Medical Treatment Scheme continues to rise after successful first year with PMA
    - It has been over a year since the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group was formally awarded the contract to deliver the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) program, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Since then, the program has seen significant impact in the six Pacific countries the NZMTS supports, including Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Tonga.
  • Upcoming Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation Ball to promote early detection
    - Debbie Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group, extends her support and solidarity to the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation (CIBCF) as the guest speaker at the Ribbons of Hope: Early Detection Ball, taking place on Saturday, 30 November, at the Ngatangiia Rugby Grounds in Rarotonga.
  • WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Piukala, visits Aotearoa New Zealand
    - Dr Saia Piukala, the inaugural Pacific islander to assume the role of WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, was welcomed yesterday at the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group office, sharing that he felt he had "returned home" as a PMA Life Member and long-time colleague of the Group. His visit came after delivering a powerful keynote address at the University of Auckland, marking his 168th day in office.
  • World Mental Health Day: A shared determination to improve mental health services in Vanuatu
    - 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.
  • World Physiotherapy Day: Eti Televave
    - For World Physiotherapy Day, Eti Televave reflects on his journey as a physiotherapist, facing unique challenges and celebrating triumphs in serving the Pacific and Māori community.
Events
  • Pasifika Medical Association Conference 2024
    - Join us at the Pasifika Medical Association Conference as we explore a holistic approach to health and well-being across all stages of life under the theme "Vunilagi ni Bula Sautu: Living Our Best Lives."
Join
Join today
Join our PMA Membership network in order to engage with like-minded health professionals and build your skills in the workforce.
Join
Join
Follow us
Our Story
Updates
Events
Our Journals
Scholarships
Moana Women's Network
PACMAT Emergency Response
Contact Us