The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is proud to announce that our Chief Executive, Debbie Sorensen, has been acknowledged in the prestigious New Year’s Honours List. A proud mother, grandmother, wife, and daughter of Tonga, Debbie has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her services to Pacific health.

Based in Christchurch, Tagata Mai Saute Dance Academy (TMSDA) has developed a close relationship with Pasifika Futures Ltd (PFL), working together on various community initiatives. Their recent performance at the Pasifika Medical Association's annual conference, as part of the Voyager’s Dinner, was a testament to their impact. Today we highlight TMSDA’s journey and their most memorable moments of the year.

Graduates of the Ngalu Fānifo Prekure Health Coaching and Mental Health course gathered to celebrate the successful completion of their program. This course, designed to provide students with practical skills for supporting Pacific families, highlights the cohort's dedication to enhancing the well-being of Pacific communities. Their passion shines through in their commitment to delivering high-quality care and support, contributing to the prosperity of Pacific families.

As the year draws to a close, Pasifika Futures Limited (PFL) reflects on the significant work accomplished by partners in supporting Pacific families to achieve their aspirations in health, housing, education, training, and economic development. One such partner, The Fono, has been a longstanding leader in health and wellbeing for Pacific communities for nearly forty years.

The 2024 SunPix Awards celebrated a number of Pacific leaders for their various contributions to Pacific communities in their respective fields. Two leaders were awarded the Pasifika Futures (PFL) sponsored Pacific Health and Wellbeing Award, acknowledging their tireless efforts to uplift and empower their communities; Akarere Henry and Viliamu Malaitai.

Oceania Career Academy (OCA) has made significant strides in transforming the lives of Pacific youth, with their success recognised by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA), whose recent External Evaluation Review praised OCA for its culturally responsive, wrap-around support services. This achievement has been supported by Pasifika Futures (PFL), whose support has enabled OCA to break barriers and create opportunities for its students and their families.

Reflecting on the year, Tāmaki College have created transformative opportunities through their Tereora Academy for Pacific students and their families, achieving significant milestones across key programs.

Pasifika Futures (PFL) partner, Pacific Homecare, is celebrating a year filled with meaningful projects and community support, marking 2024 as a time of growth and dedication to Pacific families. Proud of their Whānau Ora services, the team has delivered high-quality support with passion, from practical support to personal empowerment.

The Etu Pasifika Canterbury Whānau Ora Day was a heartwarming celebration, bringing together Pacific families from across Canterbury to mark another year of growth, connection, and community support. Organised by Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC), the day provided a joyful space for families to reflect on their achievements as we near the end of 2024.

Tokelau Language Week 2024 has arrived, and the Atafu Tokelau Community Group (ATCG), based in Porirua, has shared their plans for the week and how recent events have reshaped their celebrations. Project Lead for ATCG, Zechariah Reuelu, explained that while they initially planned a series of activities, these were cancelled in light of a community member’s passing. Reuelu emphasised the importance of this moment, highlighting that in Pacific cultures, honouring the deceased is a deeply respected tradition and an integral part of cultural identity.

Last week, Niue communities across New Zealand celebrated Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue (Niue Language Week), providing a timely opportunity for Tupumaiaga A Niue Trust (TANT) to reflect and build excitement for their upcoming 2025 projects.

As Fiji Language Week comes to a close, we highlight our Fijian staff members who continue to embrace this year's theme of ‘Vakamareqeta na Vosa Vakaviti - Nurture and sustain the Fijian language.’