Read our latest stories, updates and press releases from our membership network.
Showing all Posts (96 results, page 1 of 8)

Community, 18 Jun 25
Dietitians Week NZ: Finau Taungapeau's journey of healing and hope
In recognition of Dietitians Week NZ, we share the story of Finau Taungapea, Director of Health Services and Senior Dietitian at Pacific Trust Otago. Finau’s journey into nutrition and health promotion is deeply personal, sparked by the sudden loss of her father and her commitment to breaking the cycle of poor health in her own family.

Community, 12 Jun 25
Message for Men's Health Week, Lilo Dr Oka Sanerivi.
Lilo Dr Oka Sanerivi, physiotherapist, academic, and PMA member, is the first Pacific PhD in Physiotherapy! 💥 For Men’s Health Week, he shares some light-hearted but practical insights, plus a bit of his own journey as a Pacific male in health. He is also a proud member of the Centre for Men’s Health at the University of Otago.

Community, 7 Jun 25
Samoan Language Week: Serving Samoan and Pacific Islander Community in Sydney, Australia
Talofa lava, meet Salima Dr Olataga Alofivae Doorbinnia who hails from Sa'anapu and Apolima. For Samoan Language Week, she shares her background as general practitioner living in Southwestern, Sydney.

News, 21 May 25
WHO recognises PACMAT for international emergency response standards
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.

Community, 15 May 25
Growing Up Rotuman in a World That Didn't Know Us
Noa’ia ‘e Mauri, ‘Otou asa le Rowena Sokimi, faiaksea gagaj atakoa. Meet Rowena Sokimi who is of Rotuman, Fijian, Samoan and German heritage.

News, 1 May 25
PMA Conference 2025 deferred
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.

News, 9 Apr 25
Pasifika Health Leaders Webinar – Papalii Dr Suitafa Debbie Ryan
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.

News, 2 Mar 25
Dr Fiona Perelini, paediatric intensive care specialist, appointed to the Pasifika Medical Association Membership Board
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.

News, 18 Feb 25
Dr Joshua Agnew joins Pasifika Medical Association Membership Board
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.

News, 13 Feb 25
Pasifika Medical Association Membership welcomes Catherine Tu'akalau to Board
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.

News, 29 Dec 24
Pasifika Medical Association Group CEO Debbie Sorensen recognised in New Year’s Honours list
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.

News, 25 Dec 24
PMA deploys PACMAT mental health team to Vanuatu following 7.3 magnitude earthquake
The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has been deployed to Vanuatu in response to the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila on 17 December 2024. Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the mission will see the team provide mental health and psychosocial support to local communities affected by the natural disaster, led by the Vanuatu Ministry of Health.