The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) has
honoured 13 outstanding Pacific health leaders and advocates
with Life Member and Service Awards and President’s
Medals, recognising decades of service, leadership and
commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Pacific
communities.
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
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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.
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