PACIFIC CAUCUS
about us
The Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) Pacific Caucus serves as an essential platform for fostering connections among individuals and organizations concerned with public health matters impacting Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
By facilitating discussions and sharing knowledge, the Caucus aims to enhance collective understanding of these issues. Furthermore, it actively promotes advocacy efforts and initiatives directed at improving the overall health outcomes for Pacific peoples. This commitment reflects a broader dedication to addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to resources and services.
The Pacific Caucus is made up of all interested members of the PHANZ and typically meets on the last Wednesday of each month.
Non-members are welcome to attend meetings and events; however you will be unable to vote on important decisions that impact the public health issues facing Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Become a member here:
Caucus Officers
The Pacific Caucus is lead and supported by The Caucus Executive Officers.
The length of term for Caucus Officer roles is two years, with a provision for re-election for a further two years.
People are elected to officer roles at Caucus Annual General Meetings (AGMs), generally held in September each calendar year.
The Pacific Caucus has the following Officer roles available:
Co-Chairperson x2
Treasurer
Secretary
Co-Chairperson: Taumaoe Andrea Meni
Andrea Meni, a proud Samoan from Safato’a and Matautu Lefaga, embodies the Samoan adage “o le ala i le pule o le tautua” (the pathway to leadership is paved in service).
As the Pacific Caucus Chair on the PHANZ Executive Council, she envisions a united, skilled Pacific collective driving advocacy and addressing community needs through evidence-based practices and Pacific values.
An academic at Massey University’s School of Health Sciences and a Master of Public Health student, Taumaoe also collaborates with organisations to enhance Pacific capabilities in strategic initiatives. Her passion for research is fueled by a commitment to create positive change rooted in Pacific worldviews.
Beyond her professional and academic endeavors, Taumaoe cherishes her roles as a family member and friend, taking pride in being “everyone’s favorite aunty.” In her downtime, she enjoys reading, nature, and music, always staying grounded in her identity as a proud Tamaita’i Samoa. Guided by the belief that collective effort leads to shared success, she inspires others to paddle the canoe of progress together.
Co-Chairperson: Seiuli Ativalu Lemuelu
Treasurer: Donna Perese
Secretary: Atelaite Tuu
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
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PHANZ PACIFIC CAUCUS MONTHLY MEETING
📅 Date: Wednesday, 30 April 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM (Online)Meeting ID: 450 901 881 631 0
Passcode: gn25X7BL
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PHANZ PACIFIC CAUCUS MONTHLY MEETING
📅 Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM (Online)Meeting ID: 450 901 881 631 0
Passcode: gn25X7BL
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PHANZ PACIFIC CAUCUS MONTHLY MEETING
📅 Date: Wednesday, 25 June 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM (Online)Meeting ID: 450 901 881 631 0
Passcode: gn25X7BL
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PHANZ PACIFIC CAUCUS MONTHLY MEETING
📅 Date: Wednesday, 30 July 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM (Online)Meeting ID: 450 901 881 631 0
Passcode: gn25X7BL
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PHANZ PACIFIC CAUCUS MONTHLY MEETING
📅 Date: Wednesday, 27 August 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM (Online)Meeting ID: 450 901 881 631 0
Passcode: gn25X7BL
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PHANZ PACIFIC CAUCUS AGM
📅 Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM (Online)Meeting ID: 447 363 256 725 3
Passcode: sW2ha9Fv
Key Documents
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Please note this document is in draft and is currently under review by the Pacific Caucus.
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This section is under development
Contact us
If you would like to join our Pacific Caucus, become a Caucus Officer or want more information on how to get involved, please get in touch!