Medical team
Doctors
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![Dr Glenn Doherty headshot]()
Dr Glenn Doherty
CEO/Clinical Director/Board Secretary
Dr. Glenn Doherty, MB ChB (Otago), FRNZCGP, is a distinguished leader in the New Zealand healthcare sector, with over 42 years of experience spanning clinical medicine, health management, research, and policy. A prominent figure in both Māori and Pacific health, Dr Doherty has made significant contributions to primary care and governance, particularly in the Pacific health space.
As the CEO and Medical Director of the Tongan Health Society Inc., Dr. Doherty has been instrumental in the organisation's growth and success. The organisation serves a large percentage of the Tongan community in Auckland. Under his leadership, the Society was recognised with the prestigious General Practice of the Year award at the inaugural Primary Healthcare Awards in 2020, a testament to the team's unwavering commitment to providing holistic, high-quality care.
Dr. Doherty's vision extended beyond clinical practice with the establishment of the Langimalie Research Centre. This groundbreaking research facility is the only Pacific provider in New Zealand to have an affiliated research arm focused on Pacific health. The Centre's work addresses key health challenges within Pacific communities, enabling the Tongan Health Society to remain at the forefront of health innovation.
For over two decades, Dr. Doherty has worked extensively within the Tongan community, both in New Zealand and Tonga. His leadership and strategic alliances with government agencies, NGOs, and community organisations have significantly enhanced the delivery of healthcare services to Pacific populations. In recognition of his contributions, Dr Doherty has been awarded several honours, including a Community Service Medal from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.
In addition to his roles at the Tongan Health Society and Langimalie Research Centre, Dr Doherty is a Member of the Pasifika Medical Association and a Lifetime Member of the Te Ora Māori Medical Practitioners Association. He continues to serve as a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland's School of Medicine, mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.
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![Dr Akanesi Makakaufaki headshot]()
Dr Akanesi Makakaufaki
Dr Makakaufaki commenced working at the Tongan Health Society as a Locum in 2007 and was appointed a full-time General Practitioner in 2015.She graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Queensland, Australia in 1976 and had the distinction of being the first female doctor in Tonga.
Dr Makakaufaki’s 40+ years of medical experience has involved:
18 years in the Outpatient & Emergency Department at Vaiola Hospital where she developed Standard Protocols for emergency management.
Personal Physician for Her Majesty the Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho, 1985
President of the Parents Teachers Association of the Nuku’alofa Government Primary School, 1993-1998.
Chair of the “Women’s Multipurpose Cooperative Society – Kolofo’ou”, 1996-2000.
Membership of the Management Board of Tonga Cooperative Federation, 1998-2000.
President of the Parents Teachers Association of the Tonga High School, 1998-2003.
Fellow of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP), 2020.
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![Dr Antony Inder headshot]()
Dr Antony Inder
Dr Inder joined the Tongan Health Society in 2017.He gained a Bachelor of Medical Science (with distinction) from the University of Otago in 1999 and in 2001 was awarded a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Dr Inder achieved a Professional Diploma in General Dermatology in 2022.
Dr Inder has extensive experience working in General Medicine, Paediatric Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Vascular Surgery and General Surgery.
In 2005 he made a presentation to the Vascular Society of New Zealand on, An Audit of Renal Access Surgery at Wellington Hospital, and in 2012 Dr Inder made a Grand Round Presentation Wellington Hospital, Appropriate management of Parapneumonic effusions.
He published a journal article, Malignant Melanoma in a New Zealand Province in 2017. Dr Inder was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago in 2011-2012.
Dr Inder has a strong interest in the social and economic determinants of health, inequalities in healthcare and examining ways in which to address these inequalities.
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![Dr Gavin Lee headshot]()
Dr Gavin Lee
Dr Lee joined the Tongan Health Society in 2020He achieved a double degree in Bachelor of Science (Major in Chemistry) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Major in Accounting) in 2012.
Dr Lee is a fluent speaker of English, Mandarin and Fujian.
He has received several scholarship grants and awards:
Certificate of High Distinction in Australian Mathematics, 2008
Studylink Step Up Scholarship, 2008
NZQA Accounting Scholarship, 2008
University of Auckland Jubilee Award, 2008
University of Auckland Talent Fund Award, 2009
UBS Book Scholarship, 2009-2011
University of Auckland Partnership Appeal Award, 2012
Gloag-Fitchett Memorial Education Trust Scholarship, Dunedin School of Medicine, 2013
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![Dr Kilisitina Lavulo headshot]()
Dr Kilisitina Lavulo
Dr Lavulo joined the Tongan Health Society in 2022. She is of Tongan descent and a fluent speaker in Tongan and English.In 2005 Dr Lavulo was the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Top Māori and Pacific Scholars, from the University of Auckland
Dr Lavulo completed a Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Auckland in 2006 and in 2010 achieved a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the same university.
She achieved a Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Medical Gynaecology from the University of Auckland in 2014 and in 2020 became a Fellow of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP).
Dr Lavulo has a strong focus on engaging individuals and families for continuous care and wrap-around services. In addition, she has a strong interest in developing skills around dermatology, women’s health, musculoskeletal, and paediatrics.
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![Dr Ha’ano Fonua headshot]()
Dr Ha’ano Fonua
Dr Fonua joined the Tongan Health Society in 2024 and is fluent in Tongan and English as well as basic conversational Samoan.He comes from the villages of ʻUtulau, Vainī, Foʻui, Kolonga, Fakakakai and Hāʻano in Tonga.
He achieved a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Auckland in 2021.
Dr Fonua also holds roles as an Academic Casual Staff Member at the University of Auckland, tutoring medical students within the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS). He is also an Honorary Research Fellow with the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Auckland.
Dr Fonua is a member of the Pasifika Medical Association and maintains active involvement with various groups across the wider Tongan community.
He has a strong interest in Tongan Culture, Clinical Linguistics and Pacific Languages and is heavily involved with the translation of health information into the Tongan language.
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![Dr Steven Young headshot]()
Dr Steven Young
Dr Young joined the Tongan Health Society in 2022 as a College Employed Registrar and is currently a Locum GP.He achieved a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery, from the University of Auckland in 2017.
In 2023 Dr Young completed a Certificate of Proficiency in Primary Care, from the University of Otago.
His academic awards include:
Le Va’s Pacific ‘Futures that Work’ scholarship, 2012
Ministry of Health ‘Pacific Disability and Health Workforce Award’, 2013 & 2014
Ministry of Health Aniva scholarship, 2015 & 2016.
Dr Young’s clinical interests, include Pacific health, diabetes in primary care, primary care of people living with HIV, skin cancer diagnosis, management, and excision in a primary care setting.
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![Dr Xiao Nong Li headshot]()
Dr Xiao Nong Li
Dr Li joined the Tongan Health Society in 2024.In 1987 she achieved a Bachelor of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University China. Dr Li achieved a Master of Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China in 1992.
Dr Li gained a:
Bachelor of Health Science, Manukau Institute of Technology, 2005
Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science (Merit), Auckland University, 2013
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (2nd class honours, 1st division), Auckland University, 2015.
She has more than 10 year’s experience in the orthopaedic sector and more than four years as an urgent care doctor.
Dr Li has great affection for the Pacific island community, appreciating the relaxed culture and the compassion family members have for each other.
Nurse Specialists and Practitioners
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![Mele Vaka headshot]()
Mele Vaka
Mele joined the Tongan Health Society in 2004 as a Practice Nurse and in 2013 was appointed to the role of Clinical Services Manager.She achieved a General and Obstetric Nursing Certificate in Tonga in 1986 and in 1995 was awarded a Post Basic Nursing Certificate.
Mele gained a Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing from the Auckland Institute of Technology in 1997 and was registered in New Zealand as a General and Obstetric Nurse in 1998.
Mele is highly competent in immunization administration, wound care and long-term conditions management. She has a deep working knowledge of general practice settings, hospital settings and neuro services.
Mele’s technical expertise is complemented by her compassion, attention to detail and dedication to her patients.
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![Fifita McCready headshot]()
Fifita McCready
Fifita joined the Tongan Health Society in 2005 as a Diabetes Management Nurse.She qualified as a New Zealand Registered Comprehensive Nurse, Manukau Polytechnic in 1989.
In 2011 Fifita achieved a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences in Advanced Nursing from the University of Auckland.
Fifita takes pride in her ability to maintain high standards. Her communication skills and engaging personality enable her to relate effectively with both individuals and their whānau.
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![Anau Tatafu headshot]()
Anau Tatafu
Anau joined the Tongan Health Society in 2021 and was promoted to Nurse Team Lead in 2024. She also performs roles as the Cold Chain Lead and Infection Control Champion.She completed her Certificate in Nursing Foundation Studies in 2011 and a Bachelor of Nursing Pacific in 2014. Both are from the Manukau Institute of Technology.
In addition, Anau completed NETP Programme, Primary Healthcare Waitemata DHB in 2016.
Anau’s approach to her work centres on the values of honesty, dependability, and integrity.
She focuses on empowering patients by delivering effective health education and nursing care that enhances their well-being and quality of life.
She gives back to the community through volunteer work as Youth Secretary and Academic High School Mentor.
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![Cherry Yray headshot]()
Cherry Yray
Cherry commenced working at the Tongan Health Society in 2021.She achieved a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1995 and completed her Nursing Competency Training at WITT University, New Plymouth in 2004.
Cherry has more than 20 years of nursing experience. Her focus is on providing high-quality patient-centred nursing care. She has a positive work ethic and determination to work through on-the-job challenges.
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![Elenoa Havea headshot]()
Elenoa Havea
Elenoa joined the Tongan Health Society in 2004 as a Practice Nurse and currently works as a Well Child Nurse.
She completed a nursing qualification at Queen Salote School of Nursing, Tonga in 1975.
In 1996 Elenoa completed an Overseas Nurse Bridging Course at Manukau Institute of Technology and in 1999 gained a Certificate in Residential Care of the Elderly.
Other qualifications include:
A Postgraduate Certificate in Specialty Care at Whitireia Polytechnic, 2014
An accredited provider of Level 5 Triple P Positive Parenting Programme, training completed at the University of Queensland, Australia, 2019
Training for Master Trainer Stanford University Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme, 2023.
Elenoa relates well to people of all ages, cultures, ethnicities and religious beliefs.
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![Alisi Tameifuna headshot]()
Alisi Tameifuna
Alisi joined the Tongan Health Society in 2016 as a Pacific Non-Clinical Navigator and currently works as a Well Child Nurse.She completed her nurse training at Queen Salote School of Nursing, Tonga in 1972.
In 2002 Alisi was awarded her Graduate Diploma in Community Child and Family Health Promotion, from Whitereia Polytechnic in partnership with the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society.
She became an accredited provider of Level 5 Triple P Positive Parenting Programme, which was completed at the University of Queensland, Australia in 2012.
Alisi has more than 40 years nursing experience and is passionate about delivering high-quality Well Child services to enhance the well-being of children, families, and communities.
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![Setaita Ha’unga headshot]()
Setaita Ha’unga
Setaita joined the Tongan Health Society in 2022 as a Well Child Nurse.She completed a Certificate in Aged Care Work, Australia in 2004 and in 2012 completed a Bachelor of Nursing, University of Western Sydney which involved clinical practicums in eight different hospitals.
In 2013 Setaita achieved registration with the New Zealand Nursing Council and in 2020 completed a Return to Nursing Competency Assessment Programme.
Her experience in working with children has led to a passion to enhance the health of tamariki, especially in Māori and Pasifika families.
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![Mosolesa Pesaleli headshot]()
Mosolesa Pesaleli
Mosolesa commenced working for the Tongan Health Society in 2022 as a Well Child Nurse. She is fluent in English and Samoan.Her qualifications include a:
Certificate in Working with Addiction level 4, Wellington Institute of Technology, 2010
Certificate in Alcohol & Drugs Youth Work level 5, Wellington Institute of Technology, 2012
Bachelor of Nursing, Whitireia Community Polytechnic Institute, 2015
Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Specialty Nursing Child Health/Tamariki Ora (Level 8), Whitireia Community Polytechnic Institute, 2018.
Mosolesa’s nursing philosophy is based on treating her patients with love, respect, dignity, care and compassion.
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![Alaviola Onosai headshot]()
Alaviola Onosai
Alaviola joined the Tongan Health Society in 2023 as Practice Nurse.In 1990 Alaviola completed her Nursing Certificate in Tonga. She has also completed:
Certificate in Post Basic ICU Course, 2000
Registered Nurse Competency, 2002
Nursing Competency Portfolio Level, 2017
Proficient Portfolio Level, 2021.
Alaviola has a wealth of experience working in ICU, surgical, medical, pediatric, obstetric, outpatient, and psychiatric wards.
She has a particular focus on women’s health and obstetric care, and seeks to provide exceptional nursing care to diverse patient populations.
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![Alesana Onosai headshot]()
Alesana Onosai
Alesana joined the Tongan Health Society in 2023 as a Practice Nurse.In 1988 he completed his General & Obstetric Nursing in Samoa and in 1998 gained a Registered Nurse Competency Certificate.
Alesana completed the Nursing Competency Portfolio Level in 2005 and the Proficient Portfolio Level in 2008.
In 2011 he gained a certificate of registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and in 2020 was awarded a certificate in Warfarin Monitoring.
Alesana is rewarded by addressing the health needs of people from different walks of life. He has proven skills in infection control, warfarin monitoring and is an authorised vaccinator.
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![Bradley Griffin-Salt headshot]()
Bradley Griffin-Salt
Bradley commenced working at the Tongan Health Society in 2021 as a Practice Nurse.He was awarded a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Auckland in 2008 and completed a NETP programme in 2019.
Bradley’s core competencies are:
Triage & urgent care
Phlebotomy and cannulation
Independent vaccinator
Preemployment medical screening
Interpretation of INR results.
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![Roshni Prakash headshot]()
Roshni Prakash
Roshni joined the Tongan Health Society in 2024 as a Diabetes Nurse Specialist and is fluent in English, Hindi and Fijian.She completed a Diploma in Nursing, Fiji School of Nursing in 1991 and in 2003 gained registration as a General and Obstetric Nurse.
Roshni was accredited as a Diabetes Nurse Specialist in 2010 and in 2015 was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Nursing, University of Auckland.
Her core competencies are:
Diabetes Group Education
Healthcare professional education
Authorised vaccinator
Diabetes Technology: Dexcom, Libre, & Insulin Pumps.
Roshni prides herself on her ability to learn quickly and capacity to perform well under extreme pressure.
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Fakaola Otuafi
Fakaola joined the Tongan Health Society in 2020 as a Nurse Practitioner.She achieved a Bachelor of Health Science, from Manukau Institute of Technology in 2000
And achieved and a Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing, from the Auckland University in 2012.
This was followed in 2013 by a Postgraduate Diploma in Advance Nursing, from the Auckland University and a Master of Nursing with First Class Honours in 2015.
Fakaola has received the following awards:
Professional Nurse in Clinical Career Pathway (CCP), 2005
Excellence in Clinical Practice, Nursing, 2007
Expert Nurse in the Professional Development Recognition Pathway (PDRP), 2010
Champion Diabetes Resource Nurses, Renal Diabetes Group, 2011
Feet for life – Project of the year (Counties Manukau Health), 2014
Pacific Nursing Award, Nursing, 2016
Renal Society of Australasia Award, 2019.
Fakaola has more than 20 years of Renal nurse experience and is passionate about being able to use his skills for Pacific people.
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![Foloi Leuluai headshot]()
Foloi Leuluai
Mana Kidz Nurse
Foloi joined the Tongan Health Society in 2023.
She has gained the following qualifications:
Certificate in Business Administration Level 4, Best Pacific Institute of Education, 2010
Certificate in Health Care Support Level 4, New Zealand Career College, 2015
Bachelor of Nursing, Auckland University of Technology, 2020
2021 - Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Speciality Nursing, Whitireia New Zealand, 2021.
Foloi is highly empathetic and pays attention to detail and in prioritising tasks. She has a focus on children’s health and works in the community with youth and their whānau to provide holistic care.
Foloi has taken a number of courses to develop professionally including a programme to identify and respond to vulnerability and child abuse.
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![Roy Jacinto Mangaya-ay headshot]()
Roy Jacinto Mangaya-ay
Roy joined the Tongan Health Society in 2024 and brings more than eight years’ experience in nursing and care giving.He was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Western Mindanao State University in 2008 and in 2024 Roy completed the Competence Assessment Program at Unitec.
Throughout his career, Roy has prioritised cultural safety and adaptability, ensuring that he provides the highest quality of care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Roy has had experience in Intellectual Disability and Rehab.
