A number of Pasifika New Zealanders have been recognised in the New Year's Honours announced today.
They have been honoured for their contributions to the Pacific and New Zealand communities, going back many years.
Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor reports
"Professor Sitaleki Finau has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Professor Finau was the driving force behind the establishment of the Tongan Health Society and is also a founding member of the NZ Pacifika Medical Association. For his work with the Pacific community in Southland and Auckland, the Reverend Elder Aotofaga Lemuelu II receives a Queen's Service Medal. Toleafoa Aiolupotea was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for his work in the Otara community over 30 years. Services to the Tokelauan community saw Ineleo Tuia and Isitolo Pakome each awarded a QSM. Mr Tuia has contributed to the Tokelauan community in the Wellington region for 40 years. He also helped maintain historic Tokelauan artefacts in conjunction with the Alexander Turnbull Library. Mr Pakome was a member of the Ministry of Pacific Islands Affairs national advisory council and has contributed to the Tokelauan community of Taupo for 35 years. Cook Islander Monica Tongia-Unuia receives a QSM. She was cultural arts director for Pacific performing arts during the Auckland Commonwealth Games in 1990. And a founding member of the Pacific Islands Advisory Committee of the Manukau City Council, Niuean Loina Tapaotama Lavakula, receives a QSM. Mrs Lavakula says she has been involved in the committee since 1991 and has done a number of jobs over the years. Mrs Lavakula says she feels services for Pacific people in Manukau City have improved over the years. Loine Tapaotama Lavakula also helped establish Niue Kaufakalataha Arts."
