Family and friends sang songs of celebration and thanks, acknowledging the 13 stars from the Moana communities across the country at the Trusts Arena in Henderson in Auckland Friday night.
More than 400 people attended the 7th SunPix Pacific Peoples Awards celebrating Pasifika achievers and contributors across seven categories.
Among last night’s winners, was the recipient of the ProCare Top Pacific Nurse Imelda Rokoua who hails from Fiji. She shared her passion for nursing, saying “I knew I could do more for my patients and care for them as a ‘whole’ person and be able to make a difference in their lives – my nursing journey has not been an easy road, but it is well worth it. I’m delighted to have won this award.”
The Ministry of Education Pacific Education Award recipient Emeritus Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop says she is humbled and deeply touched to receive the award. Tagaloatele is proud to see the achievements of the next generation of Pacific educators coming through and encourages them to continue the work for the community in their chosen profession. “I hope the young people coming through have watched and learned from our generation and seen what they can do and what they should do for our people.”
Pasifika Futures Pacific Health & Wellbeing Award winner Tofilau Talalelei Taufale is the Hawke’s Bay Pacific Health Manager who championed their Pacific COVID-19 response. Tofilau says, “I’m really proud of our community and everyone’s work to keep each other safe. I’m really proud of what we can achieve when we work together.”
Ministry for Pacific Peoples Pacific Community Leadership Award winner David Latu paid tribute to the wider Hamilton community and his team at JetPark Accommodation. He reflected on the work of his team during the COVID-19 pandemic and was in charge of the Best MIQ facility in Aotearoa – JetPark in Hamilton. David says, ”despite the challenges, our team rose above it with one goal in mind, to keep our community safe.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pacific Enterprise Award recipient Laura Keil-Hall
has created a space in the business sector to support Pacific businesses to grow & thrive and increase employment opportunities for Pacific people with the establishment of the Pacific Business Hub. Laura says it is fantastic to be acknowledged for the work they have done over the past few years.
She says despite the challenges of the business sector, she is proud of what Pacific people can achieve. “Pacific people, we are resilient and we just carry on. Don’t give up, come be part of the hub. We are there to help you and be with you on this journey.”
Sunpix General Manager Taualeo’o Stephen Stehilin says, “we are grateful for the support of the sponsors and the community, without whom we could not celebrate these wonderful people. ”
The Winners for the Sunpix Pacific Peoples Awards 2022:
ProCare Top Pacific Nurse
Imelda Rokoua
Ministry of Education Pacific Education Award
Le’ausālilō Dr Sadat Muaiava
Emeritus Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pacific Enterprise Award
‘Anau Mesui Henry
Laura Keil-Hall
Pasifika Futures Pacific Health & Wellbeing Award
Dr Soana Muimuiheata
Tofilau Talalelei Taufale
LeVa Pacific Emerging Leadership Award
Vaiola Tauti
‘Alakihihifo Vailala
Te Pātaka Whaioranga Pharmac Pacific Service Excellence Award
Moana Connect
Mana Moana
Ministry for Pacific Peoples Pacific Community Leadership Award
Hana Melania Halalele
David Latu
The SunPix Pacific Peoples Awards will be aired on a Tagata Pasifika Special on TVNZ1 at 09:30am on Saturday 22 October and also online at www.tpplus.co.nz
