Pacific Health Leaders Recognised in Pasifika Medical Association Awards

Pacific health leaders recognised for decades of service and leadership at the Pasifika Medical Association’s 30th anniversary conference. Photo: Pasifika Medical Association

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. 

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 PhD
  • Dr Maryann Heather FRNZCGP

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.

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



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