President
The woman behind the vision of this association, president and creative founder of the organization, Dr Tule Misa hails from the beautiful isles of Tonga. Dr Misa is currently practicing as a Public Dental Health Specialist and Clinical Director (acting) for Community Dental Service in the Canterbury region. Aside from her role as the president of Pasifika Dental Association (PDA) she has worn numerous leadership hats over the years and her passion to improve the oral health of Pasifika people is reflected in the many dental projects she undertakes both in the Pacific and in Aotearoa.
Vice President
One of the 8 endodontists in Auckland, Dr Aziz operates his specialist practice from Highland Park Auckland, but his heart lives in the ocean and beyond. The vice president of PDA is a man of many talents and wears several hats at any point in time, but this doesn’t stop him from volunteering his time to help the Pacific communities. One of the founders and current chairperson of Smiles of the Pacific (a charitable trust that lives to serve the Pacific Island communities), Dr Aziz is a true Fijian at heart and each year he returns with his team to his home and the neighboring Island nations to provide free dental conferences, hands on training and free dental treatment to the population in need.
Secretary
Sarwin is also another Fiji born Indian who is true to his Pasifika heritage, qualified both as a dental hygienist and a dental therapist, Sarwin has extensive experience both in community oral health service, the private practice and as a tertiary level clinical educator. A man of very few but very wise words, Sarwin brings his passion for oral health, his attention to detail, and his mild temperament to the committee.
Secretary
Pua is a Samoan by birth and has had quite an extensive experience in the community oral health service both in Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand. Pua holds several postgraduate qualifications across various disciplines and is a living testament of what people can achieve if they set their minds to it. Her passion for oral health has seen her serving the low socio-economic population of South Auckland where she continually seeks opportunities to improve access to dental care for her people. Her attention to detail and very strong organizational skills make her an excellent addition to the team.
The first Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon of Pacifica descent, Dr Jattan brings a lot to the table. From his humble demeaner to his vast knowledge, Rakesh comes from the strong heritage of Samoa and Fiji and has the best qualities and attitudes of both nations. Aside from his public work, specialising in significant facial trauma, reconstructive surgery and jaw realignment surgery, to his specialist private practice in Auckland, Rakesh finds time to deliver presentations and teach and support upcoming graduates from around the world. Rakesh is also affiliated with smiles of the Pacific and returns to his ethnic roots and beyond to give back to his community through dental education and treatment.
The man with the biggest grin and the kindest heart, Mr Joseph Petelo is the founder of The Big Grin, an Orthodontist practice in Christchurch. Joseph comes from a strong Samoan heritage and carries the love for his people in the smile he wears and through his relentless efforts in providing affordable orthodontic care to those in his community. Amidst his family responsibilities and the various hobbies that include hunting and multiple fitness events, he always finds time to lend a hand to anyone that needs help and bends over backwards to support his team, his love for his people and his ability to think outside the box makes him a valuable addition to the Pasifika Dental Association team.
Treasurer
Born and bred in the beautiful Isles of Fiji, Anishma holds true to her Fijian heritage and is passionate about reducing oral health inequalities within our Pasifika communities and beyond. Having won a number of advocacy and clinical hats over the span of her career, Anishma has vested interest in improving access to dental care for people living with disabilities. Her attributes as a visionary, problem solving, and strong organisational skills make her a wonderful addition to the PDA committee.
