NZ's Pacific leaders honoured for service and integrity at Public Service Day Awards

Two Pacific leaders have been recognised among the country’s top public servants, honoured for their compassion, integrity, and contributions to communities at this year’s Public Service Day Awards.

Ropeta Mene-Tulia and Leutele Levaogogo Seabee Tulilo, senior figures from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP), have been rewarded for their leadership and service.

Now in its eighth year, the awards celebrate outstanding contributions from across New Zealand’s public sector.

In 2025, 18 public servants were recognised, spanning 12 agencies and seven regions from Northland to Southland.

Among those honoured was Christchurch-based Mene-Tulia, who is currently Acting Director of Southern Commissioning and Partnerships. Mene-Tulia received a New Zealand Public Service Medal for her dedication to community wellbeing and cultural integrity.

The medal, part of the New Zealand Royal Honours system, is awarded to public servants whose work is considered worthy of special merit. This year, 10 recipients received the distinction.

This year's Public Service Awards saw 18 recipients recognised. Photo/Supplied

Mene-Tulia has an extensive background in the public sector, including almost 20 years with the Ministry of Social Development. She was credited for her calm and compassionate leadership through challenging times, such as Covid-19 and periods of ministry restructuring.

The recognition also comes amid a period of major changes for the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, which faced more than $60 million in budget cuts and a staff reduction from 156 to 99 since 2024.

Alongside Mene-Tulia, Tulilo was also recognised for his leadership and service in the public sector.

Leutele Levaogogo Seabee Tulilo (left) and Ropeta Mene-Tulia (right). Photo/Supplied

Tulilo currently serves as the ministry’s Partnerships Lead and has demonstrated strong leadership, including ensuring culturally safe responses following the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui.

He also led national engagements on the Sāmoan Citizenship Bill, which restored New Zealand citizenship rights for some Sāmoans.

Tulilo was awarded the Public Service Commissioner’s Commendation for Excellence, which recognises public servants in delivery roles who demonstrate exceptional care and commitment to New Zealanders. This year, eight people received the commendation.

As of June 2025, there are over 62,000 full-time staff working across the New Zealand Public Service, an annual decrease of 1.4 per cent. Public servants currently make up two per cent of the total national workforce.

Watch Ropeta Mene-Tulia speak about her Sāmoan heritage below.