The awards were presented last night as part of PMA’s 30th anniversary conference, held under the theme “The pathway to leadership is service – showcasing 30 years of service, innovation and excellence.”  

Her Royal Highness Sinaitakala Tuku'aho, Crown Princess of Tonga, was in attendance for the evening celebrations. 

PMA Chief Executive Debbie Sorensen ONZM says the awards are an important opportunity to acknowledge the people whose service has helped shape Pacific health over generations. 

“Leadership in Pacific health has always been grounded in service. These awards recognise our outstanding leaders who have given their knowledge, expertise, time and leadership to our communities, often over many decades." 

PMA Service Awards 

The PMA Service Awards recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving Pacific communities and contributing to better health and wellbeing outcomes. 

The 2026 Service Award recipients are: 

• Associate Professor Dr Sione Vaka PhD 

• Dr Maryann Heather FRNZCGP 

Their recognition reflects the importance of service at the heart of Pacific health — through clinical practice, advocacy, leadership and connection with communities. 

PMA Life Member Awards 

PMA’s Life Member Awards recognise individuals who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to Pacific health and to the work and values of the Pasifika Medical Association. 

The 2026 Life Member Award recipients are: 

• Fiugalu Tevita Funaki MNZM 

• Dr Etuini Ma’u FRANZCP, MBChB 

• Dr Michael Burling FRANZCOG, PG DIP OMG, MBChB, BHB  

• Akarere Henry 

These individuals join a distinguished group of PMA Life Members whose careers and contributions have helped advance Pacific health and strengthen the wider Pacific community. 

PMA President’s Medals 

The President’s Medal is a special recognition of PMA's founding individuals whose leadership, service and contribution have made a significant and lasting impact on Pacific health and communities. 

The 2026 President’s Medal recipients are: 

• Dame Teuila Percival DNZM, QSO, FRACP, MBChB  

• Sir Collin Tukuitonga KNZM, FAFPHM (RACP), FRNZCGP, FNZCPHM  

• Dr Samuel Fuimaono LLB, FRNZCUC, FRNZCGP, DipOst, MBChB  

• Papali’i Dr Suitafa Debbie Ryan MNZM, FNZCPHM, MPM (Dist), MBChB, MInstD, BSc  

• Tagaloa Dr Andrew Chan Mow FRNZCGP, MBChB  

• Dr Florina Chan Mow MBChB 

• Seuili Dr Juliet Walker FRNZCGP, DipObs, MBChB  

PMA congratulates all award recipients and thanks them for their service to Pacific health and our communities.  

ENDS