Dr Soana Muimuiheata signs off her emails with a footnote she wrote in 2002. “Only one life that will one day Past, Only what is done with Love will Last”. The phrase influences her daily work, faith and church life. Soana, a highly respected New Zealand Registered Dietitian and health consultant, has a lifelong association with the Methodist Church. Soana is a strong role model for her church and work community.

On the day I call, Soana is between appointments at a consultancy clinic she operates at the Mangere East Medical Centre. Providing advice and support for people with diabetes is a major component of her work. Her faith drives her motivation to benefit the wellbeing of her clients, and her Tongan church community. “I am deeply concerned by the health status of our women. The church has a role to play in supporting the wellbeing of our people. Through NZMWF we support our young families.”

Soana arrived in New Plymouth as an 18-year-old scholarship recipient. Following a year at New Plymouth Girls‘ High School she studied nutrition and food science at Otago University. On graduating with health science degrees, she returned to Tonga to work for the Ministry of Health. Over the next decade Soana worked between Tonga and Auckland, moving to reside permanently in Auckland in 2002. In 2019 with the support of a Health Research Council Scholarship, she returned to university to complete her Doctoral degree.

Soana is concerned by the male dominated culture that leaves many Pasifika women vulnerable. The late Queen of Tonga, Queen Salote has been her inspiration and she is deeply committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Pasifika women and children in a holistic way.

Beyond her health-related professional work, Soana spends up to 20 hours each week involved in church, parish and women’s fellowship – she has held the position of NZMWF secretary for 2023-2025. The recent focus has been on World Prayer Day, communicating with churches all over New Zealand. Now the emphasis has moved towards planning for the South Pacific Area (SPA) Conference in Samoa in September and the Methodist Woman’s Conference in Auckland the following month.

Planning is well in hand for the SPA Conference, where Soana and her fellow National Executive will be joined by more than 70 members of the NZMWF. The entire delegation will perform and present to representatives from the Pacific region, during the Conference that runs from 4 to 8 September.

Juggling the demands of a hectic schedule comes naturally to Soana who admits she thrives on multi-tasking. She says, “My faith is my strength, and love. If we focus on love, we overcome challenges and hard times. Love not pride, grace not might.”

Refection – Luke 8: 21

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

For over 2000 years of remembrance of Easter, Jesus died for our sin. The greatest love in humankind. Let 2024 a reminder that Jesus’ Mother and Brothers, are those who put into practice what we learnt and seen in him. Living testimony. Jesus comes against that cultural standard and sees, hears and values women for who they are: humans.