Princess Pilolevu opens 20th Pasifika Medical Association conference [1]
Monday, August 29, 2016 - 18:00. Updated on Thursday, September 22, 2016 - 13:58.
HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita opened the 20th Anniversary Conference of the Pasifika Medical Association, on Thursday, 25 August at the Rendezvous Hotel in Auckland.
Princess Pilolevu said the key to the PMA’s success has been its ability to bring people together across the various sectors and encourage robust discussion and debate.
“We remember the leadership shown by PMA following the tsunami in Samoa, the support provided to Tonga following the Ashika tragedy and the response that was activated following the Cyclone Pam disaster in Vanuatu, with many PMA members moblised to provide volunteer support.”
She asked for more actions to translate important contribution into achievements that benefit the wider Pacific communities.
Attending the ceremony from Tonga was the Minister of Health Hon Dr Saia Puikala and Dr Viliami Tangi, a former Health Minister.
Awards
Pasifika Medical Association Service Awards and Life Awards were given in recognition of outstanding service made by Pacific medical practitioners to their communities.
Service Awards were awarded to Hamish Crooks, Chief Executive of Pacific Homecare; and Dr Josephine Aumea Herman from Fellow Bakerfield Medical and Urgent Care and Auckland University researcher.
Life Awards were awarded to Dr Siutafa Nicholson, Principal Pacific Perspectives; Dr Colin Tukuitonga, Director General SPC; Dr Tearikivao Maoate, Paediatric Surgeon and Urologist; and Debbie Sorensen, CEO for Pasifika Futures Ltd.
Founded in 1996, PMA which now has over 3000 members stated the conference provided a forum for Pacific health professionals, medical practitioners, community workers and stakeholders discuss New Zealand and Pacific regional issues that influence the health and wellbeing of Pacific families, with an emphasis on leadership.