Tongan community leader honoured for decades of service to NZ's Pacific families

A Tongan community leader says she was in disbelief when told she would receive the King’s Service Medal for her support of Pacific families.

Siesina Latu, based in Timaru, is recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for over a decade of service in South Canterbury. Since 2016, she has co-founded and led the Tongan Society South Canterbury (TSSC), providing cultural, social, and wellbeing initiatives across the region.

In addition to her work with TSSC, Latu works full-time as a youth justice social officer at Oranga Tamariki and participates in several governance groups, including the Pacific Advisory Group at Ara Institute of Canterbury and the Consumer Council for Te Whatu Ora. Last year, she received the Sunpix Pacific Peoples Community Leadership Award.

“I was literally shocked. It's so unreal to be honest, never in a million years did I think I would get a medal, let alone a King’s Service Medal. I am humbled, honoured, and grateful for the recognition,” Latu says.

“It's not something that you do, where you wake up every day like ‘I'm going to do this so I can get a medal, get recognition, or get praise’. You just do that and carry on, it's part of your life. You do this kind of work to serve others.”

Latu and her young family moved to Timaru 20 years ago but initially faced challenges due to the area’s isolation, as only a handful of Tongan families were present. The experience motivated her to start the Tongan Society South Canterbury to help other Tongan families connect.

Founded in 2016, TSSC, guided by the cultural values of Fā Kavei Koula (the Four Gold PIllars), currently supports around 70 families and 300 individuals with a small group of volunteers.

Many involved in TSSC work in primary industries and settled in South Canterbury through rugby and labour migration.

“I know how it feels when you move into an area where you don't have that support system. It’s good to see other ethnic groups coming together, creating their own groups, and also the process of creating a Pasifika community leaders forum,” Latu says.

Every moment matters

A milestone achievement for TSSC has been securing a community gym and multipurpose facility, thanks to the generosity of a local landlord.

“A big shout out to Linda Lee, who is the landlord. She gave us this big building in town for free. We are blessed thanks to her love, kindness and support,” Latu says.

Reflecting on her journey, Latu says many moments stand out for her: “One moment is not enough”. She says that every victory has contributed to their success today.

“From seeing a three-year-old Tongan wearing a Tongan attire with pride and saying, ‘mālō e lelei Sina’. Seeing our youth continue tertiary education. To see a mother who has been trying to get her driver's licence for two years and failed many times, but never gave up.

“After two years, she got her driver's licence. To a father who grows his own vegetables at home. Those are little moments that are so important for me.”

The village: Faith, family and community

In addition to her community work, Latu serves as a Hou’eiki (leader) in the Free Wesleyan Church in Timaru. She oversaw the church’s renovation, completed in 2024, and says the space now provides a “modern, lovely, warm church” for the youth and churchgoers.

She credits her strength to God and the support she receives from her husband and children, her team at TSSC, and her colleagues at Oranga Tamariki.

“First and foremost, I thank God for strengthening me and blessing me in so many ways so I can do what I do for my family, church, work, and community. I know my parents, family, church, and community are praying for me too.

“It’s not just me alone, never about me. I may be the face, but I have a whole village behind me and also with God's blessing. I want to take this opportunity to thank those that have helped and supported me along the way.

“The people who have nominated me, thank you.I'm forever grateful for whoever nominated me. To my family, thank you for being resilient, supporting and patient. I wouldn't have been able to do what I do without them. This medal is for you.”