‘Work done in the trenches’: Tongan leader Kathleen Tuai-Ta'ufo'ou honoured

A Tongan community leader whose work spans housing, family violence prevention, and disaster recovery has been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

Kathleen Tuai-Ta'ufo'ou, Chief Executive of SIAOLA - the social service branch of the Methodist Church of New Zealand's Vahefonua Tonga o Aotearoa, has spent over 20 years working in health and social services for Pacific communities.

The honour recognises what she describes as “work in the trenches”, supporting families through some of their difficult moments.

Tuai-Ta'ufo'ou told PMN News the recognition is deeply shared.

"Personally, this honour is a humbling recognition of a journey that has never been mine alone,” she said. “It represents the sacrifices of my parents, Meleseini Lolohea and Tevita Tofavaha Tuai, and the unwavering support of my husband, Tu'iono and our children.

“It also represents the Church and Community leaders who have journeyed and mentored me over the years. Their guidance and belief in me have been crucial to my growth and development," she said.

Kathleen with her husband Tu'iono and their children. Photo/Supplied

She says the award also reflects wider cultural values within the Tongan community.

"For the Tongan community, I hope it serves as a testament to the power of Lotu, Faka'apa'apa, and Mamahi'i me'a - faith, respect, and loyalty.

“It signals that our cultural frameworks and the work we do in the trenches are valued at the highest levels of New Zealand society."

Tuai-Ta'ufo'ou (pictured at centre) is the CEO of SIAOLA - the social service branch of the Methodist Church of New Zealand's Vahefonua Tonga o Aotearoa - and has spent over 20 years working in health and social services for Pacific communities. Photo/Supplied

Under her leadership, SIAOLA has helped more than 100 families into home ownership and supported 1500 people to gain driver licences.

During the Covid-19 pandemic and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, she established a Tongan-focused food hub in Ellerslie, Auckland, which helped deliver 14,800 vaccinations and distributed 16,500 food parcels, reaching more than 100,000 people.

As CEO of the Fonua Ola Network, she also brought together eight Pacific organisations to improve coordination and delivery of services across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Her work has extended into national policy and advisory spaces including roles with Te Whatu Ora National Women's Screening Pacific Reference Group, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Social Development and Police advisory groups, and governance committees within the Methodist Church, Social Service Providers Aotearoa, and Law Revision.

She says accountability in community work must remain grounded in trust.

"We hold our philosophy by treating accountability not just as a government requirement, but as a form of trust to our community. By remaining uncompromising on our cultural values, we ensure that the funding serves the people, rather than forcing the people to fit the funding,” she said.

Watch Tuai-Ta'ufo'ou speak of family lineage below at a P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A conference in 2024.

On Pacific voices in decision-making spaces, she says real influence is still something communities must actively push for.

"There is a difference between being at the table and having a voice. We are seeing a slow shift from tokenistic consultation to genuine partnership, but it requires us to be courageous in those rooms, to speak the truth even when it is uncomfortable for the status quo," she said.

Tuai-Ta'ufo'ou is now working on a framework to bring more young leaders into governance roles across government, church, and community organisations.

Her message to young Tongan women is clear: "Your cultural identity is your greatest professional asset, not something to be managed or toned down. Don't be afraid to take up space."

Tuai-Ta'ufo'ou is one of 178 New Zealanders named in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, including 12 recipients of Pacific heritage.

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.