PIHPSA
The Pacific Island Health Professional Students’ Association (PIHPSA) is an independent student body that aims to support all Pacific students that are studying Health Sciences. This includes Medicine, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Radiation Therapy, Oral Health, Medical Laboratory Science and students in the Otago School of Medical Sciences (e.g. anatomy).
Ni sa bula vinaka, Talofa lava, Kia orana, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu and many warm Pacific greetings to you all
We encourage networking between the different schools through our Friday lunch sessions, with each week being hosted by a different department. This gives students the opportunity to meet and learn from other students, staff and working health professionals (as well as having a healthy and free lunch!). Our activities include mentoring, advocacy, encouraging research, organising social events, supporting professional development and engaging within our unique and diverse Pacific cultures and communities.
Check out some of the fun and exciting activities that we have planned or get involved via our Facebook page.
2024 PIHPSA EXECUTIVE
Mote Molitika
President
Malo e Lelei, my name is Simote (Mote) and I am honoured to be the President of PIHPSA for 2024. My role is to ensure PIHPSA fulfills its core functions by supporting my executive team to enable them to achieve this. PIHPSA’s mission statement this year is “Tu’u Fakataha” (Stand Together). This is reflected from Pasifika seafaring proverb “Pikipiki katea kae vaevae melenga”, “Let’s link our main hulls together and share everything that we have”. PIHPSA’s goal this year is to bring Pasifika health professional students together and initiate intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary networking and encourage sharing knowledge between our Pasifika students and non-Pasifika students, in order to increase our chances of success and also so that when we get out into the workforce, our relationships with people in other disciplines are established. PIHPSA have a number of events planned for the year and I implore all students both Pasifika and non-Pasifika to get involved in what we have to offer, and we would greatly appreciate any feedback or comments on how we can better support our Pasifika students. PIHPSA have made a number of achievements over the years, and it is a credit to the wonderful people that have been involved with PIHPSA. Achievements are meaningless without the journey, so join PIHPSA and let’s stand, share and celebrate our wins together.
Tu’a ‘Ofa atu (Humble Regards)
Tayla Pearce
Vice President
Talofa lava!
My name is Tayla Pearce, and it is with great privilege that I assume the role of Vice President for PIHPSA 2024. Originating from Pakuranga, Auckland, I take pride in my heritage, hailing from both Samoan and Rarotongan descent. Having commenced my academic journey at the University of Otago in 2022, pursuing studies in HSFY, I am now in the third year of my Medical degree. In my capacity as Vice President, I am entrusted with the management of PIHPSA’s internal affairs, providing support to our school representatives, and deputizing for the President as necessary. I am beyond excited to meet you all, talanoa and for us to get together for the different events we have planned. The Pasifika community at our University and PIHPSA have been instrumental in guiding my medical journey thus far, and it is our team’s aspiration to extend the same level of support to all of you.
Kumiko Hemi
Secretary
Fakaalofa Lahi Atu, my name is Kumiko, and I serve as the secretary for PIHPSA. I take great pride in my Niuean heritage and am deeply committed to supporting my community. Currently in my third year of Dentistry, I find immense joy in every aspect of my studies. My involvement with the PIHPSA executive team is driven by a desire to connect with more Pasifika students at the university.
While I was born and raised in Japan for most of my life, I have also lived in South Auckland and Melbourne. Outside of my academic pursuits, I cherish moments spent with my family and have a passion for travel. If you happen to see me around, please don’t hesitate to come and say hi!
Rhiannon Brown
Treasurer
Talofa lava! My name is Rhiannon Brown and I am the PIHPSA treasurer for 2024. I manage finances, ensure adherents to budgets and secure funding for our association.
I am of Samoan descent from the villages of Fatausi and To’omatagi. I’m also from Porirua having also lived in Wairoa, Samoa and now Dunedin for 9 years. I entered medicine through the alternative category, with a previous BMLSc degree and several years’ experience as a medical laboratory scientist. I love spending time with my family, cats, enjoying good food and trying new things!
My goal for PIHPSA is to ensure that we have funding for meaningful community projects and to foster relationships with sponsors that will extend into future years.
Carmel Ah Chong
Medicine General Representative
Talofa lava and warm Pacific greetings! My name is Carmel Ah Chong and I am humbled to be your Medicine General Representative for 2024. I hail from the beautiful country of Samoa (Saleimoa, Le’auva’a), but was born and raised in Auckland. My role sees me supporting the professional development of our Pasifika Medical students by fostering connections between ELM, ALM and current Pacific health professionals. I am also tasked with maintaining a positive relationship between OUMSA and the Pacific Health Professionals Students Association (PIHPSA), whilst promoting Pacific values and practices among staff and fellow students. I am privileged to work alongside our PIHPSA team, where collectively, we advocate on behalf of Pacific pupils and organize events that foster engagement with Pacific culture. So, stay tuned for these events, we’d love to have you join us!
Best of luck for the upcoming year and please reach out if you have any questions, I’m always keen for a yarn! 🫶
Lucy Keung
Medicine Education Representative
Kia Orana I am Lucy Keung hailing from Tamaki Makaurau. I am Chinese, Māori, Cookisland, Tahitian. I am the Pacific Educational rep and a pretty social butterfly, but be aware I am forgetful like Dory from finding nemo. 😁
Jayda Matara
Medicine Welfare Representative
Talofa lava!
My name is Jayda and I am the Medicine Welfare Representative for PIHPSA 2024. I am of Samoan and Cook Island descent and was raised in Mangere, South Auckland. My mum is from Leauva’a and Safune in Samoa and my Dad is from Tongareva in the Cook Islands. As welfare rep, I’ll be organising events aimed at promoting 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! 🙂
Aylah-Rose Narbey-Nimeti
Pharmacy Representative
Kia orana! I’m Aylah-Rose and honoured to be the Pharmacy representative for PIHPSA this year.
I’m part Cook Island (Pukapuka) and Kiwi. I was raised in Te Awamutu and went to high school in Kaikohe.
My role is to support all our pacific health professional students and more specifically our Pacific pharmacy students.
I’m excited to be part of PIHPSA this year and put on some amazing events for you. Don’t be shy to talk to me or the team : )
Neha Kumar
Social Representative
Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, My name is Neha and I am honoured to serve as the Social rep for PIHPSA this year!
I was born in Auckland and raised in the mighty Waikato. My mum comes from Bulileka, Labasa, and my dad from Votualevu, Nadi, both from the beautiful islands of Fiji. I completed a Bachelor of Oral Health in 2023 and am now studying Dentistry.
My passion lies in contributing to the welfare of our Pasifika community. I aim to create opportunities and an environment for our Pasifika students to thrive by providing support, advocacy, and encouragement to unlock their potential. Vinaka Vakalevu.
Tonga Ngaluafe
Physiotherapy Representative
Malo e lelei everyone, my name is Tonga Ngaluafe. I am a proud Tongan 🇹🇴🐎 I am from Levin and am studying Physiotherapy. I am the Physio rep this year. Basically, I am tasked with supporting our Pasifika physio students by connecting them with appropriate support services and staff, organising catch ups, and sorting out tutorials. I am excited to meet all of you and if you see me around, don’t hesitate to stop and have a yarn with me 😀
Tokorua Turua
Dentistry Representative
Kia Orana my name is Tokorua Turua I am Cook Island Maori and I am from Rarotonga (Avarua), but moved to Wellington when I was very young and my family have been there ever since. My fathers family is from Mangaia and my mothers from Ma’uke.I have two sisters, one older who is a nurse and one younger who studies law. I am currently in my third year of Dentistry and I came through foundation before I did HSFY with the PFP scholarship programme. I am very grateful that I get to study dentistry because I get to interact with so many people and learn so much. .And despite being busy all of the time it is very fun!
Meitaki