PMA invests $10,000 award into Pacific Health Education Scholarships
Updates / News, 23 Nov 22
The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) has announced that it will invest the $10,000 received with the Arataki Award for Leadership in the Community into health scholarships through their Pacific Education Fund.

The inaugural Arataki Award, sponsored by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, was presented to PMA at the recent Pacific Business Trust Awards, recognising the organisation’s service to Pacific communities, especially throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

PMA President, Dr Kiki Maoate ONZM FRACS, acknowledges the achievement as a collective effort.

“We’re grateful that our investment into Pacific communities have been acknowledged and although we’ve been recognised as an organisation, we would not be here without the support of our families and our many partners that have supported our work.”

Humbled by the recognition, PMA Chief Executive, Mrs Debbie Sorensen, also attributes PMA’s success to its long-standing relationships with people across the Pacific. 

“Over the last three years we have been very privileged to serve our communities, our families and our countries. There are many people that have contributed to our journey over many years, so this award represents our deep connections with people across Aotearoa and the region.”

Mrs Sorensen highlights the significance of the award and its welcomed contribution towards PMA’s Education Fund. 

“We have championed excellence in health care and practice for Pacific people throughout the region for over 26 years. Our Education Fund supports Pacific secondary and tertiary students into health, medicine and nursing careers, building on the commitment we have made to growing the future of the Pacific health workforce. 

It is only fitting that we return the ‘ofa shown to us through this award to our Pacific community, enabling our young leaders to continue PMA’s legacy of service.”


Date: 23 November 2022