Award winning actor, director, writer Anapela Polataivao has been recognised for her work in this year’s King’s birthday honours list. Anapela has been made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit
Anapela’s work on stage and screen is a celebration and acknowledgment as a voice of South Auckland women. Of Samoan heritage, Polataivao received a best supporting actress nomination in 2005 for her role in ‘The Market.
She won several best actress awards and international acclaim for her performance in the 2012 short film, ‘Night Shift’.
For her work as co-founder of the Kila Kokonut Krew theatre collective from 2002 to 2014, which serves to give South Auckland performers a platform, she was named a New Generation Arts Laureate in 2014.
In 2019, she received Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Contemporary Artist Award.
Also receiving the ONZM is The Very Reverend Taimoanaifakaofo Kaio for services to the Pacific community.
Of Tokelau heritage, Reverend Kaio has held prominent positions within the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand between 2001 and 2021.
He became the Moderator North Shore Presbytery in 2001 and played a pivotal role in the inception of the Northern Presbytery in Epsom, where he also served as Moderator in 2011. He served as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand in 2018, holding the position until 2021, the highest position within the church’s hierarchy.
Rev Kaio has served on numerous panels for the organisation and has been a Trustee of Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata since 2016.
Pasifika peoples have also been recognised for their services in the King’s honours. Congratulations goes to:
MNZM Member of the Order of Merit
Bridget Piu Kauraka of Wellington – for services to the Cook Islands community
Frances Mary Latu Oakes, JP of Oamaru – for services to mental health and the Pacific community
Leitualalemalietoa Lynn Lolokini Pavihi of Auckland- for services to Pacific education
KSM King’s Service Medal
Mailigi Hetutu of Wellington – for services to the Niuean Community
Tupuna Mataki Kaiaruna of Auckland – for services to the Cook Islands community and performing arts
Maituteau Whaiora Karora of Auckland- for services to the Cook Islands community
