Emeritus Professor, writer and artist, Maualaivao Albert Wendt (CNZM), achieved a rare hat trick of three New Zealand honours in one family with his daughters Ms Mele Luisa Wendt and Sina Moana Wendt.
Maualaivao’s eldest daughter Sina, was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) last week, for services to governance by Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro, joining her father and sister as honours recipients.
Sina says she was grateful for all her family and friends.
“They inspired, enabled, empowered, loved and supported me. This honour reflects the power and connection of those who have gone before, those who paved the way for us to have the blessings of life in these times. Fa’afetai lava, alofa tele.”
Emeritus Professor Wendt was awarded the Companion of the NZ Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2001, then received New Zealand’s highest honour – The Order of New Zealand (ONZ) for services to New Zealand in 2013.
Mele Luisa Wendt, of Wellington, was honoured as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2019 for services to governance, the Pacific community and women.
