PIHPSA
The Pacific Island Health Professional Students’ Association (PIHPSA) is an Pasifika independent student body that aims to support all Pacific students that are studying Health Sciences. This includes Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Med Lab Science, Dental Tech, Oral Health, and Biomedical Sciences plus those studying Health Sciences First year. Our vision for 2025 is: to carry the essence of Pacific culture, weaving its wisdom into the lives of future health professionals. By attending our events, you’ll have the opportunity to network with fellow students, staff, and health professionals.
Ni sa bula vinaka, Talofa lava, Kia orana, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu and many warm Pacific greetings to you all
Our aim is to create a supportive environment that helps you thrive academically, while strengthening and fostering meaningful relationships with Pacific students, health providers and our Pasifika community. We’re committed to advocating for Pacific health and well-being, ensuring a culturally safe space for both our students and wider community.
Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram @pihpsa_otago, to keep up to date with our exciting activities we have planned.
Join today and become part of the PIHPSA Family!
2025 PIHPSA EXECUTIVE
Ieti Ah Young
President
Talofa Lava, my name is Ieti Ah Young and I am honoured to be the President of PIHPSA for 2025. I am currently in my third year studying towards a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Otago. I am proud to call the beautiful villages of Vaimoso and Malifa in Upolu, Samoa, my home. As the eldest of four boys, I draw inspiration from my incredible parents, whose guidance and support have shaped my passion for giving back to my Pasifika community. PIHPSA’s visions for this year is “To carry the essence of Pacific culture, weaving its wisdom into the journey’s of our future health professionals” and we aim to fufill our vision through providing support and running events that align with our Pasifika health professional students needs. I want to stress the importance of being inclusive of both Pasifika and non-Pasifika health professional students in what we stand for. Pacific health in Aotearoa is important to non-Pasifika health professional students as it is for Pasifika health professional students. Aotearoa encompasses a variety of different backgrounds, a major part being Pacific. Therefore it is important to also be culturally competent as health professionals, as we are the future of healthcare in Aotearoa. “A fia vave o’o lou va’a, ‘alo na o oe, ae a fia tuli mamao le taunu’uga, tatou ‘alo’alo fa’atasi”, “If you want to travel fast, paddle alone, but if you want to travel far, paddle together”. This journey is a journey we all share, join PIHPSA and let’s stand together.
Fa’afetai Tele Lava
Julie Toimoana
Vice President
Talofa lava
My name is Julie Toimoana, and I am deeply honored to serve as the PIHPSA Vice President for 2025. I am proudly Samoan, with my father hailing from Faleasiu and my mother from Lepa. Born in Samoa, I later moved to Aotearoa, where I was raised in West Auckland. I recently completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Pharmacology and am now fortunate to be pursuing a degree in Pharmacy. Like many others, joining PIHPSA gave me a strong sense of community—surrounding me with like-minded individuals who shared similar experiences. That sense of belonging was both fulfilling and motivating through my health professional journey. My hope—alongside our amazing team—is to create that same culturally supportive environment for others. University isn’t a race you have to run alone, and we’re here to walk alongside you. So, let’s make 2025 an exciting and memorable year together!
Ia manuia!
Shakira Fukofuka
Secretary
Mālō ‘e lelei & Tēnā koutou katoa, my name is Shakira Fukofuka and I am humbled to be PIHPSA’s Secretary for 2025. I am proud to be of Tongan and Māori descent, being born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand. Since moving to Dunedin in 2018 to do Foundation Studies, HSFY and completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in Pacific and Global Health. I am grateful to be pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, being my 3rd year of study. Serving as Secretary, I hope to expand my skills and engagement with our Pacific community here in Dunedin, allowing our Pacific students to call PIHPSA their home away from home. So, please feel free to join PIHPSA, reach out as we support one another to inspire the next generation of our Pacific Health Workforce. Mālō ‘aupito, tu’a ‘ofa atu
Simiran Lapana
Treasurer
Talofa lava, Bula vinaka,
I am Simiran Lapana, the PIHPSA treasurer for 2025! I am in charge of the finances for PIHPSA, and am excited to help PIHPSA grow financially. My goals this year include: maintaining transparency of where PIHPSA’s funding is going, teaching students how to manage their personal finances, and growing PIHPSA’s assets.
A little bit about me: I was born in Hawai’i, raised in Manukau, Auckland, and my family and I recently moved to Invercargill. Coming from a Samoan father and Fijian-Indian mother, I am the oldest of six children. Good luck this year, everyone!
Elisapeta Eteuati
Medicine General Representative
Talofa lava and warm pacific greetings, my name is Elisapeta Eteuati, your OUMSA Pacific representative for 2025. I hail from the beautiful island of Samoa. I was born in Samoa and raised in Australia. I am honoured to be in a position that aims to promote pacific practices and values in spaces such as OUMSA. I’m excited to bridge a connection between OUMSA and the Pacific Health Professionals Students Association (PIHPSA). Together with my dedicated team, we advocate for Pacific students and organize vibrant events that celebrate our rich cultural heritage. We believe in the strength of collectivism and the importance of sharing our traditions while also embracing learning from others. I encourage you to join us in our upcoming events, and if you have any questions or just want to chat, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Fa’afetai tele lava, and here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Taumaia Malolo
Welfare Representative
My name is Taumaia Malolo and I am the Welfare Representative for PIHPSA 2025. I am of Samoan descent and was raised in East Auckland. My mum is from Fasito’otai and my Dad is from Vaimoso and Leone. As the Welfare Representative, I’ll be organising events aimed to promote a healthy and balanced student life. Everyone is welcome! I’m here to make sure your wellbeing is taken care of throughout your med school journey! I’m always down for a chat so don’t hesitate to reach out to me anytime!
Tala’ofalefā Kefu
Dentistry Representative
Mālō e lelei! My name is Tala’ofalefā Kefu and I’m one of the Dentistry Representatives. I hail from the villages of Tatakamotonga, Lapaha, Pangai and Ngele’ia in Tonga. So excited to serve and advocate for our students!
Vincent Withers
Dentistry Representative
Kia orana,
My name is Vincent Withers, and I am proud to serve as one of the Dentistry Representatives for PIHPSA. I am Cook Island Māori (Atiu) and NZ European, and I grew up in Pukekohe, just south of Auckland.
I have previously completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Health. Currently, I am in my third year of Dentistry, where I have found my passion in hands-on clinical work and connecting with people.
In this role, I hope to support and uplift our Pacific students, advocate for Pacific health through dentistry, and help shape the next generation of skilled and compassionate clinicians.
Meitaki.
Sophie McGillicuddy
Pharmacy Representative
Kia Orana! My name is Sophie McGillicuddy and I am honoured to serve as PIHPSA’s Pharmacy Representative in 2025.
I whakapapa to the Cook Islands (Amuri, Aitutaki) and am also NZ European.
In 2025 my vision is to support all Pacific Health professional students with a strong emphasis on building relationships between the Pharmacy tauira.
If you see me around don’t me afraid to say hello or smile! I would be more than happy to stop for a chat. PIHPSA has already proven to be a cohesive and determined team and I am excited for the year ahead with the team
TBC
Medicine Education Representative
TBC
Physiotherapy Representative
TBC
PR Representative