The award recognises Akarere's longstanding connection to PMA and her contribution to strengthening Pacific health services, particularly through her work supporting Pacific communities in the South Waikato region. 

“I was so unprepared for it and given the other recipients who have been the mentors and leaders I have looked up to for many years, certainly didn’t feel that I was worthy of such an award,” Akarere said. 

For Akarere, however, the award is less about individual recognition and more about the people she works alongside. 

“The greater affirmation is the team I work with and alongside for their unwavering support of always doing what is best for our communities,” she said. “So really the acknowledgement is for them.” 

Akarere has been connected with PMA for almost 20 years, through various capacities including as a member, conference speaker and attendee at PMA events. 

Over that time, she has witnessed the strength and responsiveness of Pacific health providers, particularly during times of crisis. 

One of the highlights of her career was seeing Pacific providers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and the development of a blueprint that provided a framework for emergency response. 

She also credits PMA grants with helping to build her clinical workforce, while highlighting the importance of the relationships and camaraderie shared among Pacific clinicians and peers. 

“The true camaraderie from our Pacific clinicians and peers who so willingly shared their expertise” has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey, she said. 

Working in a rural setting has also reinforced for Akarere the importance of connection. 

At times, rural providers can feel isolated and may face challenges accessing services and resources that are more readily available elsewhere. But Akarere says the answer is not to face those challenges alone. 

“If you remain ‘connected’ and in our Cook Islands language to the ‘metua’ or parent, which is very much what PMA has been for us, then those challenges become opportunities,” she said. 

“We cannot do this alone.” 

As PMA celebrates 30 years of service, Akarere’s story reflects the importance of the connections, relationships and collective strength that have helped build Pacific health across the region. 

Her message to the next generation of Pacific leaders is one of care and action. 

Something PMA CEO, Debbie Sorensen ONZM, shared with her more than 15 years ago in Wellington has stayed with her ever since: 

“Our people don’t care what you know, they want to know you care.” 

For Akarere, those words remain as relevant today as ever. 

“Our organisation mission statement reads ‘Caring for Pacific people today for tomorrow’ — put it into action.” 

Her PMA Life Award is a recognition not only of a career dedicated to Pacific health and wellbeing, but of the people, partnerships and collective commitment that make that work possible.