From sewing dolls' dresses to global runways: MENA founder honoured

What began with handmade dolls’ dresses and small sewing jobs in Sāmoa has grown into one of the Pacific’s most recognised fashion brands.

Now, MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her services to Pacific fashion.

For Loheni, the recognition in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours came as a shock.

“I was surprised,” Loheni tells PMN News that she was so caught off guard by the news she had to call her daughter, Agnes. “I just didn’t expect it…they said, ‘Oh that’s great mum’.”

Loheni has spent more than two decades helping shape Pacific fashion in both Sāmoa and Aotearoa, turning a small family business into an internationally recognised label worn across the world.

But Loheni says fashion was never something she formally studied.

“Many people ask me where did I learn, who taught me? But the thing is I taught myself,” Loheni says. “Growing up I had this imagination, I started by making dresses for dolls then I started designing. It all came naturally.”

The MENA journey began in Sāmoa in 2002 where Loheni worked as a seamstress, often accepting koha instead of payment for clothing alterations.

By 2006, the business expanded to New Zealand and quickly became a household name among the Pacific diaspora.

Listen to Filomena Loheni's full interview below.

In 2007, Mena International became the first Pacific business invited to showcase at New Zealand Fashion Week - a milestone that helped open doors for Pacific designers in the mainstream fashion industry.

“I’m very happy that we achieved something bigger,” Loheni says, reflecting on the journey.

Today, while Loheni lives mostly in Sāmoa, her daughters Agnes, Jackie, Gina, and Charlene help run the business across Aotearoa and the Pacific.

Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni with her daughters Gina, Agnes, Charlene, and Jackie. Photo/MENA

“Each one has their own part to play, I think that’s why it works for us. My heart is full when I see them work together as sisters. I’m very proud of them.”

MENA’s bold Pacific-inspired designs have featured on international stages in Fiji, Japan, Canada, and the United States.

They have helped showcase Pacific culture to global audiences. But Loheni says the journey has not always been easy.

“It wasn’t plain sailing, we had some rough times, but we managed to pick up and carry on,” Loheni says.

“We are grateful to the people that buy our clothes. Because if it wasn’t for the people that buy MENA, we wouldn’t be here.”

Beyond fashion, Loheni has also used the business to support Pacific communities, charities, and sporting groups.

MENA has backed the Miss Sāmoa pageants, boxing, rugby league, and weightlifting, while also supporting organisations including PACIFICA Women West Auckland, Habitat for Humanity New Zealand, and the Aoga Fa'asamoa early childhood centre in Auckland.

After the 2009 Sāmoa tsunami, Loheni and her business also contributed to relief efforts.

Despite her international success, she still volunteers her tailoring skills through St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Lynn and continues taking custom requests while in Sāmoa.

In a tradition close to her heart, Loheni has handmade every wedding dress for her daughters and granddaughters.

“It’s good that I am still able to do that and I’m happy to do it for them,” she says.

Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni is one of 178 New Zealanders named in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, including 12 recipients of Pacific heritage.

Pacific leaders, educators, sports figures and community advocates are among those recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List, including from top left, clockwise: Beatrice Faumuina, Inspector Neru Leifi, Vaitoelau Kumitau, Kathleen Tuai-Ta'ufo'ou, Leota Pauga Esitone Pauga, and Tofa Robertina O'Hallaron. Photo/Supplied

The King’s Honours are administered through the New Zealand Government and the Office of the Governor-General, recognising outstanding service to communities, professions, and the country.

Nominations are reviewed before recommendations are made, with the final honours list announced each year around King's Birthday and New Year.

More details on the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List are available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.