Pacific leaders, athletes and community champions formally receive their honours

Seven Pacific community leaders, athletes, educators and advocates have now formally received their national honours.

The group has been recognised for their services to their communities at investiture ceremonies hosted by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.

The recipients were among this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list, which PMN News reported when they were announced.

They have now received the insignia marking their honours at Government House Auckland.

Dame Cindy says the honours recognise people whose service has made a lasting difference.

“The New Zealand Honours system recognises those whose actions, leadership and service have had a lasting impact on our communities and country.”

The Governor-General also thanked the recipients for their contribution.

“It has been a privilege to hear your stories and we thank you for your steadfast commitment to your communities and our country,” she said.

Among them is Pacific fashion pioneer Talaleomalie Mena Loheni, who was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Pacific fashion.

Talaleomalie Mena Loheni, right, with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro after receiving her MNZM for services to Pacific fashion. Photo/Supplied

Loheni founded Mena Designs in Sāmoa before expanding the business to New Zealand.

The brand became well known in Pacific communities and was showcased internationally.

At New Zealand Fashion Week, Mena International became the first Pacific business to feature.

Loheni's work has also included supporting sports, community organisations, and relief efforts in Sāmoa.

Vania Wolfgramm with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro after receiving her MNZM for services to rugby. Photo/Supplied

Former Black Fern Vania Wolfgramm also received an MNZM for services to rugby.

Wolfgramm represented New Zealand in XVs and sevens and played 45 matches for Auckland in the Farah Palmer Cup.

She later moved into rugby development to help shape programmes like Ako Wāhine and Teine Toa, as well as a Pasifika Cultural Competency programme.

Wolfgramm also helped establish the Pacific Aotearoa Cup and supports the growth of Pacific grassroots rugby.

Community leader Kathleen Tuai-Ta’ufo’ou was recognised with an MNZM for services to the Pacific community.

Kathleen Tuai-Ta’ufo’ou with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro after receiving her MNZM for services to the Pacific community. Photo/Supplied

As chief executive of SIAOLA, she has worked across family violence prevention, Whānau Ora, mentoring, financial literacy and housing.

Her organisation helped more than 100 families into home ownership and supported 1500 people to secure driver licences.

During the Covid-19 pandemic and severe weather events, she helped establish a Tongan-focused community hub that supported vaccination and food distribution.

Olympian and former New Zealand Trade Commissioner, Beatrice Faumuinā, received a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to sports and governance.

Beatrice Faumuinā with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro after receiving her CNZM for services to sport and governance. Photo/Supplied

Faumuinā represented New Zealand at four Olympic Games, five Commonwealth Games and six World Athletics Championships before moving into trade, governance, and sports leadership roles.

Her work has included serving on the New Zealand Olympic Committee and as a director of Sport New Zealand.

For Niuean communities, educator Tina O’Halloran received an MNZM for services to education and the Niuean community.

Tina O’Halloran with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro after receiving her MNZM for services to education and the Niuean community. Photo/Supplied

One of the first Niuean primary school teachers, O’Halloran has spent decades supporting Vagahau Niue through teaching, community language classes, and the development of learning resources.

She has also worked on language research and resources aimed at helping keep the language alive in New Zealand.

Tongan language advocate Fane Fusipongi Ketu’u was also made an MNZM and recognised for more than 40 years of service to Tongan language education.

Fane Fusipongi Ketu’u with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro after receiving her MNZM for services to Tongan language education. Photo/Supplied

As Tonga Stage Coordinator for ASB Polyfest, Ketu'u has taught tens of thousands of students the Tongan dance, music and language and helped develop Lea Faka-Tonga achievement standards and pathways into NCEA and tertiary education.

Former Kiwis captain Lemalu Freddie Ah Kuoi received an MNZM for services to rugby league and the community.

Ah Kuoi played 28 tests for New Zealand and captained the Kiwis in the 1980s, which included the historic 3-0 series win over the touring Lions.

Lemalu Freddie Ah Kuoi with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro after receiving his MNZM for services to rugby league and the community. Photo/Supplied

His community work has continued through the Richmond Rugby League Academy and the WAI-Who Am I programme, which supports young people through mentoring, physical training and life coaching.

The seven recipients have now officially received the honours that recognise not only achievement but years of service to Pacific communities across sports, language, education, business, and community life.

Watch Freddie Ah Kuoi's investiture ceremony from 13:08 mins.