Talofa lava & Warm Pacific Greetings! My name is Eirenei Taua’i and I’m humbled to serve as PIHPSA President for 2026. I’m born and bred in Māngere East, South Auckland & I’m from the villages of Matautu-uta, Nofoali’i and Safotu in Samoa. I’m committed to uplifting our Pacific communities and working collaboratively with OUMSA to create meaningful change for Pacific students studying Medicine. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all and journeying together as a collective. Ia fa’amanuia le Atua, soifua ma ia manuia.

Mālō e lelei, my name is Analupe Moala Utumoengalu and I am humbled to serve as PIHPSA’s Vice President for 2026. I was born in Tonga and raised in West Auckland. I hail from the villages of Tongoleleka, Ha’apai and Kolomotu’a, Tongatapu. I’m excited to advocate for our Pasifika students in Health professional programmes and continue to build a strong, collaborative community. I encourage everyone to join us for our events this year and feel free to reach out if you need anything. 

Mālō ‘aupito.

Mālō e lelei, I am Sione Tukia and I am honored to serve as PIHPSA treasurer for 2026. I was born and raised in Auckland Central and educated in Tonga.

I am thrilled to work with the team, including my fellow islanders. I prioritize attention to detail, clear reporting, balanced budgets, and planning that supports both short- and long-term goals. This year will be quick, tough but also fun. I look forward to meeting all of you readers in the future and encourage you to join our events.

Mālō ‘aupito. 

Ni sa bula vinaka, my name is Devesh and I am honoured to serve as your Medicine General Representative for 2026. My family hails from the main islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu and I grew up in Hamilton. In this role, I want to ensure Pacific students feel supported, visible, and celebrated within medicine. This means strengthening collaboration between PIHPSA and OUMSA, and advocating for Pasifika perspectives to be woven into our learning and experiences. I hope to continue building on the incredible work of previous reps by supporting mentoring, celebrating the Pacific, and creating spaces that reflect our culture and values.

Please feel free to reach out – I’m always happy for a kōrero.

Mālō ‘e lelei, my name is Analina and I am the general Wellington rep for PIHPSA 2026. I grew up in Manurewa, South Auckland and my family is from the village of Fo’ui, Tongatapu. I am excited to serve for PIHPSA again by creating opportunities for our Wellington students to stay connected. I also hope to help inform our ELM students about the Wellington campus and what life is like in the capital!

Talofa lava! 

I am Chantelle Turketo and I am one of the co-reps for the Christchurch Medicine Representative 2026. I am a proud daughter of Samoa hailing from the villages of Pesega and Moto’otua. I am a 5th year medical student passionate about Pacific excellence and improving health outcomes for our Polynesian communities. I believe our Pacific values and cultural roots are key strengths that further encourage overall well-being. E so’o le fau i le fau – essentially meaning we are stronger when we support each other. Fa’afetai tele lava!

Mãlõ e lelei! My name is Miguel Veilofia and I’m the Dentistry Representative for this year! I hail from the villages of Fatumu, Tongatapu and Ha’ato’u, Ha’apai in Tonga. I also grew up in Lower Hutt, Wellington. Excited to advocate for and work with our students this year!!

Talofa lava! My name is Tafaoganiu Kuiniselani Elisara and I am PIHPSA’s Pharmacy Representative for 2026. I am a proud daughter of Samoa, hailing from the beautiful villages of Malie, Moata’a, Satupaitea, and Vaiko’omuli Palauli. I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow executive members and other associations to foster connections, strengthen advocacy, and support our fellow students. As my mum often says, “to be able to lead is to be willing to serve”. Soifua ma ia manuia!

Talofa lava and greetings to all, my name is David Fahina. I was born in Fiji and raised in Samoa, I am of Tongan and Samoan descent from the villages of Tokomololo, Tongatapu and Amaile, Aleipata & Falelauniu-tai, Apia. As the new Welfare Representative, I am eager to see and maximize what I can offer in terms of pastoral care, advocacy and resources to uplift the success and well-being of every student. My goal is to make sure we’re supporting each other like family so our entire Pacific community- not just those in health can reach their full potential.

Ma le fa’aaloalo lava, Fa’afetai.

Malo le soifua ma le lagi e mama. My name is Aukuso Emmanuel Tausili, and I am a proud Samoan hailing from the villages of Vailoa Faleata, Fusi, and Sapapali’i Savai’i. I have been blessed to serve as PIHPSA’s public relations representative for 2026, which means that I’ve unofficially been granted the important job of capturing your most awkward angles and turning them into iconic PIHPSA social media content. Much of my job occurs behind the scenes, but I’m always down for a chat, so don’t hesitate to talk to me. I am beyond excited to work with all Pasifika health professional students, and I look forward to taking your selfies this year. Soifua!