Pacific Health Leaders Recognised in Pasifika Medical Association Awards - TP+
Members of the health sector were recognised for their decades of service and leadership with a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Home»Community»Pacific Health Leaders Recognised in Pasifika Medical Association AwardsAugust 10, 2026Pacific health leaders recognised for decades of service and leadership at the Pasifika Medical Association’s 30th anniversary conference. Photo: Pasifika Medical AssociationMembers of the health sector were recognised for their decades of service and leadership with a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. As part of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) 30th anniversary conference held in Auckland this week, PMA honoured 13 health leaders and advocates with Life Member and Service Awards and President’s Medals. PMA Chief Executive Debbie Sorensen 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. ”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 PhDDr Maryann Heather FRNZCGPPMA’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 MNZMDr Etuini Ma’u FRANZCP, MBChBDr Michael Burling FRANZCOG, PG DIP OMG, MBChB, BHBAkarere HenryThese individuals join a distinguished group of PMA Life Members whose careers and contributions have helped advance Pacific health and strengthen the wider Pacific community. 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, MBChBSir Collin Tukuitonga KNZM, FAFPHM (RACP), FRNZCGP, FNZCPHMDr Samuel Fuimaono LLB, FRNZCUC, FRNZCGP, DipOst, MBChBPapali’i Dr Suitafa Debbie Ryan MNZM, FNZCPHM, MPM (Dist), MBChB, MInstD, BScTagaloa Dr Andrew Chan Mow FRNZCGP, MBChBDr Florina Chan Mow MBChBSeuili Dr Juliet Walker FRNZCGP, DipObs, MBChBShare on FacebookShare on TwitterSimilar NewsStay Connected127Kfollowers124Kfollowers5. 9kfollowers1. 8Kfollowers11. 3kfollowersSubscribe to our mailing list to receive daily updates direct to your inbox!*we hate spam as much as you doRecent News