The New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) is now owned by the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG). The situation of New Zealand Medical Association’s (NZMA) demise was outlined in our recent editorial.[[1]] Now, from the ashes of the NZMA, the PMAG has acquired the NZMJ, and like the phoenix of classical mythology we live on, now with renewed energy and resources.

The PMAG is an organisation that people may be unfamiliar with. It was formed in 1996 by a group of Pasifika health professionals who identified a need for an association with the purpose of “providing opportunities to enable Pasifika peoples to reach their aspirations”.[[2]] In his press release, Chairperson of the PMAG Board Dr Kiki Maoate acknowledges the uniqueness and value of the NZMJ to Aotearoa New Zealand’s society, saying: “the acquisition was intentional and serves a wider purpose”.[[3]] The NZMJ will be governed and managed by the PMAG.

The NZMJ was first published 47 years after the signing of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi. When the Journal was first published, it aimed explore the health issues relevant to New Zealand. In many ways, the goals are aligned with what we aim to do today; it is just in how we do it that has changed. In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on Hauora Māori outcomes and equity, which is important to maintain.[[4,5]] The PMAG, as the new owners, will also want emphasis on Pasifika health outcomes and equity. This improved and stronger connection with Pasifika peoples brings forth a real opportunity for the Journal to explore and strengthen our relationship. We encourage Pasifika researchers and health professionals to be involved with the NZMJ—to have more work published in it, with the aims of improving health and wellbeing dialogues for, and of, Pasifika peoples.

The NZMJ readership and supporters can rest assured that the goals and philosophies, the Editor in Chief, the Editorial Board, the handling of manuscripts, peer review and editorial freedom remain largely unchanged, if not improved. Amongst these improvements are the current upgrading of the webpage, along with the additions of the PMAG branding. Infrastructural changes will improve access and communications which, in turn, will endeavour to make the Journal more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. There are also a number of transitional matters still in the process of being resolved, such as firewall access, subscriptions, and media and general communications, etc. At the time of writing, access is as per NZMA members’ previous NZMJ login details and passwords; as we enter this new phase, this is being debated and discussed. We are exploring how we might improve access to the Journal for as many people as possible; however, we are aware of the need to maintain the financial integrity of the Journal.

The NZMJ is alive and well-supported within the PMAG family, and we look forward to your ongoing contributions and support.

The New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) is now owned by the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG). The situation of New Zealand Medical Association’s (NZMA) demise was outlined in our recent editorial.[[1]] Now, from the ashes of the NZMA, the PMAG has acquired the NZMJ, and like the phoenix of classical mythology we live on, now with renewed energy and resources.

The PMAG is an organisation that people may be unfamiliar with. It was formed in 1996 by a group of Pasifika health professionals who identified a need for an association with the purpose of “providing opportunities to enable Pasifika peoples to reach their aspirations”.[[2]] In his press release, Chairperson of the PMAG Board Dr Kiki Maoate acknowledges the uniqueness and value of the NZMJ to Aotearoa New Zealand’s society, saying: “the acquisition was intentional and serves a wider purpose”.[[3]] The NZMJ will be governed and managed by the PMAG.

The NZMJ was first published 47 years after the signing of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi. When the Journal was first published, it aimed explore the health issues relevant to New Zealand. In many ways, the goals are aligned with what we aim to do today; it is just in how we do it that has changed. In recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on Hauora Māori outcomes and equity, which is important to maintain.[[4,5]] The PMAG, as the new owners, will also want emphasis on Pasifika health outcomes and equity. This improved and stronger connection with Pasifika peoples brings forth a real opportunity for the Journal to explore and strengthen our relationship. We encourage Pasifika researchers and health professionals to be involved with the NZMJ—to have more work published in it, with the aims of improving health and wellbeing dialogues for, and of, Pasifika peoples.

The NZMJ readership and supporters can rest assured that the goals and philosophies, the Editor in Chief, the Editorial Board, the handling of manuscripts, peer review and editorial freedom remain largely unchanged, if not improved. Amongst these improvements are the current upgrading of the webpage, along with the additions of the PMAG branding. Infrastructural changes will improve access and communications which, in turn, will endeavour to make the Journal more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. There are also a number of transitional matters still in the process of being resolved, such as firewall access, subscriptions, and media and general communications, etc. At the time of writing, access is as per NZMA members’ previous NZMJ login details and passwords; as we enter this new phase, this is being debated and discussed. We are exploring how we might improve access to the Journal for as many people as possible; however, we are aware of the need to maintain the financial integrity of the Journal.

The NZMJ is alive and well-supported within the PMAG family, and we look forward to your ongoing contributions and support.