"I was born and raised in Samoa. My father was a Samoan physician from Tanugamanono and Toamua in Upolu, and Pu’apu’a in Savai’i. My mum is Fijian from Vanua Levu, Udu Point, Cakaudrove, and also has ties to Kiribati. My matai Feagaimaalii is from Lefaga."  

We spoke with Dr Tafuna’i about her journey in medicine and where she finds herself today.  

"I completed my undergraduate studies in Fiji in 2000 and gained experience working in Samoa and Australia before returning to New Zealand in 2020. I am a fellow of both the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Currently, I serve as the Senior Clinical Advisor, Pasifika for WellSouth Primary Health Network and as the Associate Dean (Pacific) at the Dunedin School of Medicine.  

"Alongside my passion for improving health outcomes for Pacific communities, I am dedicated to building the Pacific health workforce and training future health professionals to provide enhanced support and address the health needs of marginalised minority groups, particularly Pacific peoples."  

Dr Tafuna’i is eager to contribute to meaningful change for Pacific communities in the South Island through her role at EPC.  

"This is an opportunity to contribute towards improving health outcomes for our Southern Pacific communities, alongside likeminded individuals in a dynamic organisation, dedicated to our diverse Pacific population within Aotearoa and the Pacific region. For Pacific, by Pacific – this excites me."  

With a wealth of experience in both clinical practice and governance, Dr Tafuna’i brings valuable insight to the EPC board.  
"My background is in General practice and Primary care as well as having a good understanding of secondary care within Aotearoa and the Pacific region. 

"I also have a good understanding of how things are run within the Primary Health Organisation (PHO) spaces as well as at a clinical governance level with the current ‘hats’ I wear during my working week."  

She is excited to merge her medical expertise with her strong Pacific heritage in this new role.  

"Being raised, educated, and having worked in the health system in the Pacific islands, grounds my appreciation to the different health needs of our Pacific communities. It is remarkable to be given an opportunity to serve where both my heritage and expertise work in conjunction with each other."  

EPC is proud to welcome Dr Letava Tafuna’i to the Board of Directors and looks forward to the positive impact she will bring.