Pacific Capability in Action

Source: https://www.pcf.org.nz/news/pacific-capability-in-action-pcf-interns-thrive-at-tonga-health-society

For the past three years, PCF has had the privilege of partnering with Tonga Health Society (THS) to place Pacific interns across their Auckland clinics. Each year, this partnership continues to demonstrate why Pacific‑led organisations are essential to building Pacific capability, leadership, and long‑term workforce pathways.

This summer, two Pacific interns — Manisha Prema and Ema Iki — joined THS under the guidance of CEO Dr Glenn Doherty, Epidemiologist Dr Shannon Fulton, and a deeply welcoming management team. What unfolded was a powerful example of what happens when Pacific talent is nurtured in a culturally grounded, community‑centred environment.

A Partnership Built on Trust, Culture, and Shared Purpose

Tonga Health Society has become one of PCF’s most valued internship partners — not only because of their clinical excellence, but because of their ethos. Their approach is deeply Pacific: relational, community‑driven, and grounded in cultural intelligence.

This is what makes THS a formidable and strong partner for PCF’s internship programmes. They don’t just host interns — they invest in them. They create space for Pacific students to learn, contribute, and see themselves reflected in leadership.

Dr Glenn Doherty has been a steadfast supporter of PCF’s programmes, consistently championing the interns we refer and recognising the value they bring to Pacific health.

How PCF Measures Success — Beyond Job Placement

While job offers are a powerful outcome, they are not the only measure of success for PCF’s internship programmes.

One of the clearest indicators of impact is the calibre of the presentations interns deliver at the end of their placement. These presentations consistently demonstrate:

• the breadth of knowledge they’ve gained

• the depth of community engagement

• the insights they’ve developed

• the cultural grounding that shapes their understanding

• the confidence and clarity with which they communicate

This level of capability is rare in traditional internship settings. It reflects the richness of the THS environment — where interns are exposed to real communities, real challenges, and real Pacific‑led solutions.

Meet the Interns: Pacific Scholars With Purpose

Manisha Prema — Tonga | Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science, Waipapa Taumata Rau , University of Auckland

Manisha, a proud Tongan scholar from Nuku’alofa, is completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science after earning her Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Auckland. Fluent in English and Tongan, she brings strong analytical skills, cultural intelligence, and a deep commitment to patient‑centred care.

During her internship, she contributed to community health outreach, data analysis, and public health research — including work on an H. pylori study for Te Whatu Ora.

Her professionalism, curiosity, and leadership stood out.

A standout achievement: Manisha offered a full‑time role

At the end of her internship, Manisha was offered a full‑time role with Tonga Health Society to continue supporting a major project she helped shape. This is exactly the kind of pathway PCF exists to create — where Pacific talent is recognised, valued, and supported into meaningful employment.

Ema Lata Ki Peteli Soakai Iki — Tonga | Future Medical Student, Auckland School of Medicine

Ema entered the internship with a strong interest in Pacific health and clinical practice. Throughout the summer, she demonstrated compassion, maturity, and a natural ability to connect with patients and staff.

During her internship, Ema received life‑changing news:

She was accepted into the Auckland School of Medicine for 2026.

Her achievement reflects her talent and determination — and the supportive environment THS created, where Pacific students are encouraged to see themselves as future clinicians and leaders.

A Transformative Experience for Both Interns

Across their placement, Manisha and Ema contributed to:

community health outreach
patient engagement
data collection and analysis
Pacific‑specific mental health frameworks
public health research
cross‑clinic operational support

They were embraced not just as interns, but as emerging colleagues — trusted, valued, and encouraged to bring their full selves into the work.

A Partnership That Embodies PCF’s Strategic Pillars

This internship experience is a clear expression of PCF’s strengths and strategic pillars:

Pacific Talent, Leadership & Workforce Pathways

Creating meaningful, culturally grounded work experiences that lead to real jobs, real capability, and real leadership.

Evidence, Insight & Convening

Supporting interns to contribute to research, data, and community‑centred health insights that strengthen Pacific identity and amplify Pacific voices.

Pacific Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Encouraging new thinking, cultural intelligence, and fresh approaches to longstanding health challenges.

Most importantly, this partnership reflects PCF’s role as an independent connector, catalyst, convener and influencer — bringing together organisations, leaders, and emerging talent to strengthen Pacific futures.

Our Gratitude

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr Glenn Doherty, Dr Shannon Fulton, and the entire Tonga Health Society team for their mentorship, generosity, and unwavering commitment to Pacific youth.

And to Manisha and Ema — your courage, curiosity, and commitment to community are exactly what our region needs. Your success is our collective success.

This is Pacific Collaborative Futures in action: turning evidence and dialogue into action and impact — and building the next generation of Pacific health leaders.

Pacific Capability in Action: PCF Interns Thrive at Tonga Health Society