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A former Niue Prime Minister, a leading Pacific General Practitioner and well-known Samoan actor were among those invested with their New Year’s Honours award in Auckland last week.
Two-time former Prime Minister of Niue, Mititaiagimene Young Vivian, received a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to Niue.
The 87-year-old Vivian was Prime Minister of Niue from 1992 to 1993 and then from 2002 to 2008.
General Practitioner Dr Apisalome Talemaitonga – who was heavily involved in the covid-19 response – received an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to health and the Pacific community.
Television producer Lisa Taouma, the creator of Coconet TV and producer of Fresh, also received an ONZM for services to Pacific arts and the screen industry.
Veteran Samoan actor David Fane who’s worked on stage and in film and television for three decades, received an ONZM for services to the performing arts
Auckland lawyer and author Dr Gina Cole – who has Fijian heritage – was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to literature.
Author, art critic and researcher Dr Lana Lopesi received an MNZM for services to the arts,
And also receiving an MNZM was artist and curator Rosanna Raymond for services to Pacific art.
South Auckland community leader Sully Paea received an MNZM for services to youth.
While Marilyn Kolhase was recognised for her contributions to the community, spanning five decades, with an MNZM for services to Pacific arts and education.
Finally, recipients of the Queen Service Medal included Radio 531PI producers Ma’a Sagala, for services to Pacific communities, and Nemai Vucago who received an honorary QSM for services to Fijian and Pacific communities.
Galumalemana Galumalemana also received a QSM for his decade of service to the Pacific community.
Respected leader Lomia Naniseni was recognised for his services to the Tokelau community and Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai received an honorary QSM for services to education and the Pacific community.
Investiture ceremonies for other centres will be announced soon.
