Pacific stars shine at SunPix awards

Pacific pride was on full display at Eden Park at the weekend, as the SunPix Pacific Peoples Awards 2024 celebrated Pacific excellence, honouring leaders across education, health and enterprise.

Among the esteemed awardees was Dr Dion Enari and Loma-Linda Tasi, who both received the Pacific Education Award, and Akarere Henry who received the Pacific Health and Wellbeing Award.

Enari, a senior lecturer at the School of Sport and Recreation at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), was recognised for his dedicated transformation of the education landscape for Pacific students.

He has a PhD in fa'asāmoa (the Sāmoan way) from Bond University in Australia. His research focuses on sport development, mental health, indigenous studies, and transnationalism.

Pacific Education Awardee Dr Dion Enari. Photo /YouTube/Tagata Pasifika.

During his acceptance speech, Enari acknowledged his fellow winners, Sunpix and the award sponsor Ministry of Education, before delving into who he was inspired by.

"I'd like to thank my legal studies teacher, Mrs. Gower. It was her racist treatment of me and many other Pasifika students at Wavell High School back in 2004 that fueled the fire in me to become an educator."

Enari said most of his schooling occurred in Australia where he faced significant challenges in a predominantly pālagi (white) educational environment.

Back in New Zealand, he advocated for the recognition of the "cultural capital that our students have".

"One of the main rewarding parts of my job is seeing the students come into my class and then challenging their philosophy, challenging their thought processes, and then seeing them amplify their own voices.

"And then seeing them graduate my class and do well in the industry and serving our people - you can't put a price on that.”

Enari expressed deep gratitude to his family, mentors, and students, acknowledging their support throughout his journey, and issued a challenge.

“May we use the field of education to champion our next lot of leaders and change the system, as another Pacific person graduating university is another victory for our people."

Les Lehi Tenise Atoni. Photo /YouTube/Tagata Pasifika.

'Surrounded by great leaders': Atoni's inspiration and dedication

Les Lehi Tenise Atoni, a prominent leader within the Tokelau community in Aotearoa, received the Pacific Community Leadership Award.

Awarded an MNZM in 2022 for his contributions, Atoni is chair of the Atafu Tokelau Community Group in Poririua which recently launched its 30-year-plan - Taiuli Master Plan.

This initiative aimed to foster growth and resilience within the Tokelau community by focusing on governance and management, health, education, culture and identity, housing, and entrepreneurship.

Atoni, who migrated to New Zealand at 10 from Atafu, Tokelau, emphasised the significance of papakāinga, or home, calling NZ a "home away from home".

"I am surrounded by great leaders within our community," Atoni said.

"I rely on the guidance from the elders to ensure that I'm walking in a culturally appropriate way in leading this organization and paving the way for the next wave of leaders coming through."

Atoni highlighted the Tokelauan value of alofa ki te tamā manu, caring for the vulnerable, not just oneself.

He paid a heartfelt tribute to his late parents whose teachings continued to inspire his work.

"I often think of my late father... I'm just hoping that I can do justice to what I'm doing to ensure that I'm reflecting his work as well."

Sharing gratitude for his family, Atoni included his wife Rachel and their four children, alongside six grandchildren, and acknowledged their unwavering support.

"To me, this award is for those leaders out there in my community group and our Tokelau community throughout New Zealand."

Loma-Linda Tasi. Photo /YouTube/Tagata Pasifika.

‘Education is lifelong’: Tasi’s passion pursuit
Honoured for over 20 years of dedication to Pacific nursing success, fellow Pacific Education Award recipient Loma-Linda Tasi was also recognised.

Tasi was a pioneer of the Bachelor of Nursing Pacific programme, and attributed her passion for education to values instilled by her parents.

"Education is lifelong, something that is for everyone, and education is something that helps you grow and become a better person from where you're at."

Tasi said she finds immense joy in witnessing her students' growth.

"What I love about my role is seeing the students learn about the theories and the discipline," she said.

"I love seeing the growth and development and the enjoyment people get from succeeding in education."

Recipient Akarere Henry. Photo /YouTube/SunPix Awards 2024.

‘Blessed to have with me my past’: Henry honours her roots
The Pacific Health and Wellbeing Award was presented to Akarere Henry, CEO of the South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust.

A proud Māori Kūki ʻĀirani, Henry worked to improve health and well-being in Tokoroa and South Waikato, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, and had co-designed a diabetes prevention program tailored to Pacific families.

Henry thanked her family, team, and community and the importance of serving others.

“It is always about our people".

She also expressed gratitude to her parents.

"I'm so blessed tonight to have with me my past, the one that made the most sacrifices, my soon-to-be 80-year-old mother," Henry said.

"My Mum, I love you very much and I wish dad was still here, but it's because of you two that we have been able to achieve so much together."

A fond farewell
The event also featured a heartfelt farewell from veteran broadcaster Taualeo’o Stephen Stehlin.

Following over three decades in Pacific media, Stehlin announced he was stepping down from duty, saying "I count my lucky stars as I count all of you here tonight".

"It has been an incredible 37-year journey," he said.

To watch the full awards ceremony, click here.

A full list of the award winners is below:
Pacific Education Award
- Dr. Dion Enari (Sāmoa)
- Loma-Linda Tasi (Sāmoa)

Pacific Health and Wellbeing Award
- Akarere Henry (Cook Islands)
- Viliamu Malaitai (Sāmoa)

Pacific Enterprise Award
- Keith Toma, Panikeke (Tonga)
- Johnnie Timu, Brown Pride (Tonga)

Pacific Community Leadership Award
- Siesina Manoa Latu (Tonga)
- Les Lehi Tenise Atoni (Tokelau)

Pacific Emerging Leadership Award
- Selu-Kian Lealiifano Faletoese (Sāmoa)
- Tristan Petelo Ah-Sui (Sāmoa)

Pacific Service Excellence Award
- Mangere Pasifika Early Childhood Educational Trust
- Pacific Opportunities Programme at Otago (POPO)