Community Event to Celebrate Dr Piukala as WHO Regional Director

In July, the Auckland Pasifika community celebrated a major milestone. They welcomed Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, the World Health Organization’s new Regional Director for the Western Pacific, on his first official visit to New Zealand. This event marked a significant achievement, as Dr. Ma’u Piukala is the first Pasifika person to hold such a senior role at the WHO.

Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, Tonga’s former Minister of Health. The first Pacific Islander to be appointed Regional Director for the Western Pacific at the World Health Organization based in Manila, The Philippines.

The Fono, the Pacific Medical Association, and ‘Akiheuho – Health and Social Services hosted the joyous celebration. Māngere, the Pacific heartland, provided the perfect setting for this special event. Central and local government representatives, diplomats from Pacific countries, and various community organisations attended the celebration.

The Fono's CEO, Fiugalu Tevita Funaki MNZM speaks at the welcoming event.

The Fono’s CEO, Fiugalu Tevita Funaki, highlighted the huge task facing Dr. Ma’u Piukala in his welcoming address. He oversees the health and wellbeing of 1.9 billion people across 37 countries, who speak over 1,000 languages. Funaki joked, ‘Not bad for a Vava’u boy who once roamed the roads of his village in his bare feet.’ Māngere MP and former minister, the Hon Aupito William Sio, also congratulated Dr. Ma’u Piukala. He said, ‘Your success is a testament to your professionalism, humility, and Pacific spirit, but most of all to your heart for people and their wellbeing.’ Funaki declared, ‘It’s a moment of triumph and pride for us to have the first Pacific Islander appointed Regional Director.’

The audience united in their congratulations and commitment to helping Dr. Ma’u Piukala succeed. Sio added, ‘I am confident that all of us in New Zealand wish you the best. We will each do our part to support you so that you are successful.’

Performing a special Tau’olunga in honour of Dr Piukala was Levanuia Mafikakau Koester. A former patient at Vaiola Hospital in Tonga where Dr Piukala assisted in her treatment and medical evacuation to NZ in 2017 for emergency surgery at Starship hospital.

Having a Pacific voice at the heart of the WHO leadership is not just a milestone. It’s a cause for celebration and a source of immense pride for the entire Pasifika community.