Pacific finalists in Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards

Congratulations to the finalists of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. This year we are excited to see some Pacific faces in the running.

Finalist Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year

Tongan born Saia Latu is the founder and CEO of TROW Group, the leading deconstruction company in New Zealand. TROW is proudly Pasifika owned and Pasifika lead. TROW finds innovative ways to repurpose hundreds of tonnes of materials to help build schools, social housing, community centres and churches across New Zealand and the Pacific. Saia’s focus is to create a circular economy where business can benefit and help the Pasifika community to provide support and opportunities to people who wouldn’t normally have them. This includes helping new and struggling businesses get on track as well as giving back to communities with his time, ideas and support, and recycled/up-cycled materials.

Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year

Founded in 1971 by young Polynesians, the Polynesian Panthers were activists for social change, challenging the racism and discrimination against Pacific migrants that was rampant at the time. They are known for their campaigning against the Dawn Raids – where police forcibly entered homes of Pasifika searching for people who had overstayed their visas. The Polynesian Panthers Party, alongside the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, facilitated a Government apology to Pacific people for this treatment. They are acknowledged as leaders of early community activism in New Zealand through their support of homework centres, food co-operatives, tenancy support, events and more.

To find out more about the awards and other finalists click here.