The award was presented as part of PMA’s 30th anniversary celebrations, acknowledging Dr Fuimaono’s remarkable career across medicine, law, community leadership and Pacific health.
For Dr Fuimaono, the President’s Medal represents recognition not only of his service to Pacific communities, but also of his contribution to the community more broadly.
“PMA Presidents Medal is recognition of service to our Pacific community but also the community at large,” he said. “Service is always ongoing.”
Dr Fuimaono’s connection with PMA dates back to its beginnings, when the number of Pacific doctors in New Zealand was small and membership was initially limited to doctors. He was involved as the Association was established, before PMA later expanded its membership to include other health professionals.
His career is marked by a series of significant firsts and achievements. He was the first Pacific student to attend Christchurch Boys’ High School, where he became the school’s first Pacific Head Prefect and School Dux. He went on to become the first Pacific graduate from Auckland Medical School and the first Polynesian doctor-solicitor in New Zealand.
His professional journey has included founding South Seas Healthcare, serving as a director of ProCare Health PHO and chairing the ProCare Pacific Advisory Committee. He is a Fellow of both the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and the Royal New Zealand College of Urgent Care, and currently serves on the Executive of the Auckland Faculty of the RNZCGP.
His contribution to Pacific health has also been recognised through the Pasifika Medical Association Service Award to Pacific Health in 2010, the Pacific Chapter of RNZCGP Certificate of Recognition Award in 2023, and the RNZCGP Community Service Award in 2026.
Yet while his professional achievements are extensive, Dr Fuimaono says his greatest personal highlights are his children and grandchildren.
He is proud of his son Eliota, who has represented Manu Samoa at two Rugby World Cups while also becoming a lawyer; his daughter Josie, a former Miss Samoa and lawyer; and his youngest daughter Sulu, who is now Medical Director of Urgent Care Services in Whangārei.
Dr Fuimaono’s career has also been about creating opportunities for others. His lesson from a lifetime of service is simple: never be afraid to try something new.
“Everything worthwhile begins with someone willing to be the first,” he said. “You’re not trying to create history, it’s about opening the door and providing opportunities for others to follow.”
That philosophy has become part of his legacy, with annual awards now bearing his name, including the Dr Sam Fuimaono Pacific Leadership Award at Christchurch Boys’ High School and the Dr Sam Fuimaono Pacific Equity Award at ProCare PHO.
For the next generation of Pacific leaders, Dr Fuimaono offers a powerful definition of success:
“Success isn’t measured by what you achieve. It’s measured by who succeeds because of you.”
His philosophy is grounded in the Samoan saying, “O le ala i le pule o le tautua” — the pathway to leadership is through service.
“In our culture, leadership is never about status. Leadership is service.”
And drawing on a familiar superhero principle, Dr Fuimaono leaves leaders with one final reminder:
“With great privilege comes great responsibility.”
As PMA celebrates 30 years of service, Dr Fuimaono’s President’s Medal recognises a career defined by breaking new ground, opening doors for others and placing service at the heart of leadership.
