Pasifika peoples across the country have today been recognised for their service and contribution in Aotearoa New Zealand as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Recipients represent a range of sectors from music, television, performing arts, women, youth, unions, education, sport, culture and community service.
Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit include husband and wife team, Poseni Mavega (musician) and Tanya Muagututi’a (producer/director) members of the longest running Pacific contemporary arts organisation Pacific Underground, that was established in the early 1990’s in Christchurch, are recognised for their work in performing arts.
Hailing from Christchurch, award winning Hip hop, Soul, R&B singer/songwriter Ladi 6 gets the nod for her work in the music industry. Well known artist, Teremoana Rapley from Upper Hutt Posse and Moana and the Moahunters fame is recognised for her work in music and her work as a television presenter on popular TV shows Mai Time and What Now.
Geomechanics laboratory technician from the University of Canterbury Siale Katoa Latu Pasa Faitotonu has been recognised for his services to Pacific education and his work within the Tongan community to enhance the Tongan language.
Golfer Phillis-Jean Meti is honoured for her services to sport. Louisa Humphry from Hamilton becomes an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the Kiribati community and culture.
Receiving the Queen’s Service Medal for services to the Samoan community is Reverend Victor Siaosi Pouesi, who leads the Congregational Church of Samoa in Mangere East in Auckland. Mrs Taualoa Lalopua Sanele, is also recognised for services to the Union movement and Samoan community.
Representing the Whanganui Samoa community, Reverend Iliafi Esera becomes an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Chairperson for the Vaimoana Pasifika Charitable Trust, Itamua Muaiao’omalo Mataiva Robertson who lives in New Plymouth also receives the ONZM.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)
- Dr Evelyn Imelda Coxon, for services to Pacific and tertiary education
Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
- Reverend Iliafi Talotusitusi Esera, for services to the Samoan community and Christian ministry
- Itamua Muaiao’omalo Mataiva Robertson, for services to women, youth and the Pacific Community
Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
- Mr Siale Katoa Latu Pasa Faitotonu, JP, for services to Pacific education
- Mr Posenai Samoa Mavaega, for services to Pacific preforming arts
- Ms Tanya Soliali’i Mavaega, (Muagututi’a) for services to Pacific preforming arts
- Ms Phillis-Jean Meti, for services to sport, particularly golf
- Mrs Karoline Fuarosa Park-Tamati (Ladi6), for services to music
- Ms Tere Veronica Rapley, for services to music and television.
- Mrs Helen Theresa Cecilia Varney, for services to education, particularly Pacific education.
Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
- Mrs Louisa Humphry, for services to the Kiribati community and culture
Queen’s Service Medal (QSM)
- Reverend Victor Siaosi Pouesi, for services to the Samoan community
- Mrs Taualoa Lalopua Sanele, for services to the Union movement and Samoan community
Images credit: New Zealand Music Commission, University of Canterbury, thebigidea.nz, Facebook