A Te Anau pharmacist will in early March travel to Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea, to begin a six‑to‑twelve‑month assignment with Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA).

Prue Fraser has been selected as a Pharmacist Logistics Mentor and will be based in the township of Buin, at the southern end of Bougainville.

She will work alongside the local pharmacist, Isaiah, supporting improvements in stock management, systems, and day‑to‑day operations.

Fraser says the goal is to help build a pharmacy department that is “well‑run, adequately staffed, and reliably stocked,” ultimately improving access to medicines and health knowledge for the local community.

Volunteering is not new to her.

Over the years she has been involved with GirlGuiding, the Kepler Challenge crew, Marakura Yacht Club, and short‑term medical NGO work in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

When Fraser saw VSA was seeking a pharmacist, she knew she had to apply.

Her selection followed a detailed process including interviews, reference checks, police vetting and medical requirements.

In December Fraser travelled to Wellington for a week‑long briefing, joining other volunteers preparing for Pacific placements.

The health centre in Bougainville where Prue Fraser will be stationed for the next 6-12 months. Photo: Supplied

The programme covered organisational policies, cultural considerations, and the range of vaccinations and health checks required before departure.

VSA, founded more than 60 years ago, has shifted its focus over time.

While earlier assignments often lasted two years and extended to Asia, Africa, and South America, the organisation now concentrates on the Pacific and Timor‑Leste, with placements ranging from several months to more than a year. Partner organisations include NGOs, government departments, and community groups.

Around 150 New Zealanders head overseas with VSA each year.

Funding is primarily supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, although volunteers are encouraged to contribute $1,000 towards their placement costs.

Fraser said that outside of work she hoped to experience Bougainville’s wildlife — including its well‑known butterflies, birds and insects — and, as an experienced open-water swimmer, explore the region’s reputedly excellent snorkelling, "while avoiding the saltwater crocodiles.”

Three other VSA volunteers would also be in the area, Fraser said, and her husband, Bruce, also planned to visit while she was there.

Fraser, who also runs a popular Fiordland berry farm, said while it would continue while she was away, she expected this would probably be its last season "unless someone took it over."

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