Incredible Pacific Lineup for Queen’s Birthday Honours
Over the Queen’s Birthday Weekend, as the world celebrated the Jubilee, the 2022 Honours List was made public. With eighteen Pacific people honoured this year it is an incredible example of how Pacific people serve and give back to their communities.
Heading the list is Dr Collin Tukuitonga. Hailing from the village of Alofi in Nuie, Dr Tukuitonga began his career training and working in the Islands before moving to New Zealand in 1987. Since then he has served in the Public Health sector serving people across the Pacific region in roles such as Director General of the Pacific Community in New Caledonia and is the former Chief Executive for the Ministry of Pacific Peoples. He is the founder of The Fono, the inaugural Associate Dean (Pacific) at Auckland University’s Faculty of Medical and Health Science. He is a former and original Board Member of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation.
Credit: Twitter
One of the roles that Dr Tukuitonga is most well know for is an advocate for Pacific people, especially during SARs and most recently during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Dr Tukuitonga has worked tirelessly for Pacific people in this space over the last two years and has provided much reassurance to the communities he serves. Congratulations to Dr Tukuitonga and to all of the recipients listed below:
KNZM
Dr Collin Fonotau Tukuitonga, for services to Pacific and public health
CNZM
Mr Luteru Ross Poutoa Taylor, for services to cricket and Pacific communities
ONZM
Mr Fa'afetai Jonathan Lemalu, for services to opera
Mrs Bridget Snedden, for services to people with learning disabilities
MNZM
Mrs Melegalenu’u Ah Sam, for services to Pacific language education
Mr Les Lehi Tenise Atoni, for services to the Tokelau community
Mrs Sandra (Sandy) Borland, for services to nursing and the Pacific community
Mr Siaosi (George) Fa’alogo, for services to the New Zealand Police and the community
Mr Matthew Faafetai Malietoa (Mataio) Brown, for services to mental health and the prevention of family violence
Dr Linita Manu’atu, for services to Pacific education and the Tongan community
Ms Kiriovea Jasmin McSweeney, for services to the film industry
Mrs Tolupene (Neta) Peau, for services to the Tokelau community
Mr Bill Urale, for services to music and the community
QSM
Ms Gabrielle-Sisifo Makisi, for services to Pacific communities and education
Reverend Vaelua Salafai Mika, for services to church ministry and the Samoan community
Reverend Hiueni Nuku, for services to Tongan and Pacific communities
Mrs Vaipou Saluni, for services to education and the Pacific community
Mr Luther Alafia Toloa, QPM, JP, for services to the Pacific community