The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce the appointment of new members to the Pacific Expert Advisory Group (PEAG), following a nationwide Expressions of Interest process.
The new members of the PEAG are:
- Mr Tevita Funaki – Chair (CEO, The Fono) – Auckland
- Dr Amy Evelyn Henry – Member (Lecturer, School of Nursing; Post‑doctoral Research Fellow, Auckland University of Technology) – Auckland
- Ms Akarere Henry – Member (CEO, South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services) – Tokoroa
- Dr Joshuaa Alefosio‑Pei – Member (House Officer, Kenepuru Hospital, Health New Zealand) – Wellington
- Ms Catherine Tu'akalau – Member (Nurse Practitioner, Pacific Health Services, Hutt Valley) – Wellington
- Dr Letava Simone Tafuna'i – Member (General Practitioner; Senior Clinical Advisor, Pasifika WellSouth; Associate Dean Pacific, University of Otago) – Dunedin.
About the appointments
The six members were selected from 27 expressions of interest through a robust appointments process that included shortlisting, interviews, conflict‑of‑interest checks, and referee and qualification checks.
Members have been appointed for a two‑year term from 29 January 2026 to 29 January 2028, ensuring balanced representation across Pacific communities, clinical and academic expertise, youth leadership, and geographic regions.
Role of the Advisory Group
The PEAG provides independent strategic advice and cultural guidance to the Ministry, including:
- supporting the rollout and monitoring of Te Mana Ola: The Pacific Health Strategy
- advising on public health priorities and Pacific health outcomes
- engaging with senior health leaders, including the Minister of Health and Director-General of Health, when required.
Find out more about the Pacific Expert Advisory Group.
Next steps
The new members will convene their first meeting in early 2026.
