Inspirational Careers in Public Health

Pasifika people are under-represented within the public health workforce. for those Pasifika currently in the public health workforce, it is often a call of passion.

What you might find surprising is how Public health qualifications open a range of doors for diverse career opportunities. Cultural knowledge and community connection are an added value.

Be inspired by a few of our Pasifika public health workers, working across sectors to deliver positive health outcomes at a population level. Check out these four pioneering Pasifika public health profiles!

1. Tapuvakai Vea (BHSc, PGCertHSc) is a Coach with the Healthy Families Manukau-Manurewa-Papakura Programme based at the Alliance Community Initiatives Trust.  Tapuvakai is of Tongan descent and graduated from the University of Auckland in 2016.

2. Fofoa Pio (MPH) is a Health Promoter at the Auckland Regional Public Health Service having graduated with a Master of Public Health in 2016.  Her thesis was titled “The health literacy of Samoan mothers and managing their children’s health.”

3. Gemma Malungahu (MPH) is a PhD research fellow of Tongan descent, based at the School of Population Health University of Auckland.  Gemma’s research is looking at “Improving housing policy to meet the needs of Pacific peoples.”

4. Carnie Tagaloa (BHSc) is a dental therapist at the Avondale Intermediate Children’s Community Dental Clinic. Carnie graduated in 2014 from AUT and is of Samoan and Niuean descent.