“Being in a position where we can support Pacific health professionals who are or up-and-coming trailblazers within their profession is what inspired me.”

For Catherine, a key inspiration has been Dr Lupe Taumoepeau, New Zealand’s first female vascular surgeon and the only Pacific Island female vascular surgeon in Australasia.

“She [Dr Taumoepeau] went through the PMA Membership board and now a Board Director on the PMA Group. It’s inspiring listening to people’s story and their journey and how they exemplify excellence.”

Catherine also draws from her own experiences as a Nurse Practitioner, noting, “My role as a Nurse Practitioner and being the first Pacific in the Wellington region inspires me to advocate for advanced practice nursing thus encourage our nurses both here in New Zealand and in the Pacific to strive for excellence.” She views the PMA Membership Board as an excellent platform for advancing these goals.

Reflecting on her clinical work, she explained, “As clinicians, we advocate for our patients all the time. For instance, liaising with consultants for your patients to be seen sooner rather than later to writing clinic support letters to specialists so that they can receive the optimal care they deserve.”

She sees her new role as Board Director as a chance to extend this advocacy to a governance level.

“The role as Board Director on the PMA membership permits advocacy but at a governance level so that we support our Pacific health colleagues to continue to advocate with excellence for our Pacific patients and communities in whichever field that may be.”

We look forward to the impact that Catherine will continue to make in the Pacific health space and within the PMA Membership board.