Leiluas: Sāmoan pastors honoured for community work

Peter and Ausiaalemanaia Tiliilagi (Tili) Leilua have been officially recognised for their contributions to uplifting Pacific communities, particularly young people.

Upon receiving the news that they had both been awarded the King's Service Medal (KSM), the Leiluas were in disbelief.

“At first, we thought it was a joke. We didn’t think it was real. We thought it came to the wrong email.”

Tili said they were “stoked and overwhelmed” by the recognition.

“We’re just lost for words. I was more emotional because I thought of all the people who stood by us over the years.”

Sāmoan dynamic duo express humility and gratitude upon receiving the award. Photo/Tiliilagi Leilua.

Peter said he was humbled and thankful to God and acknowledged the community's support in their work.

“Seeing them [youth] being successful in life and resilient through the challenges they go through themselves, watching them navigate their way through challenges, seeing them conquer the challenges they go through in life, it’s amazing.

“We give it back to the community because it’s the success in the community, it’s all from them.”

Peter Leilua: Champion for youth and Pacific people

Born to Sāmoan parents from Savai’i with ancestral ties to Tokelau, Peter grew up in Invercargill before moving to West Auckland in 1985.

He attended Avondale College and later moved to Mount Roskill, where he met and married the love of his life – Tili.

Peter said his work followed the example set by his family.

Peter’s work in youth development spanned professional and voluntary roles. Photo/Tiliilagi Leilua.

“Growing up seeing our parents do the same thing for their community and churches and whatever they’re connected to in their village, and that whole value that they have of tautua in their community is just amazing.

“I understand now what they did back then and the fruits that come from it because, for them, it’s about working together and looking after one another and also seeing the success of one another.”

Peter’s work in youth development spanned professional and voluntary roles.

In 2010, he helped establish the Global Hope Missions Trust, which offers services such as courthouse advocacy, academic mentoring, and youth support groups.

Other programmes were the Pacific Young Leaders initiative, where students from Mt Roskill schools organised community events and the Activate Programme, which used Pacific values to support vulnerable students.

Peter established the Global Lions rugby team for youth and a cultural exchange match in Malaysia. Photo/Tiliilagi Leilua.

Since 2016, Peter has served as the Pasifika Liaison for several Mt Roskill schools; he also helped organise Pou Pasifika, a partnership to boost the number of Pasifika youth workers in the Auckland region.

Following the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, Peter co-founded Act of Roskill Kindness (ARK), which provided emergency support such as food parcels, emergency accommodation, social and medical support.

Peter’s leadership also extended to sports, where he established the Global Lions rugby team for youth and a cultural exchange match in Malaysia.

Peter’s contributions to the community have been recognised through multiple awards, including the Westfield Local Heroes Award (2019), the Puketāpapa Local Board Volunteer Award (2021), and the Puketāpapa Youth Foundation Community Volunteer Award (2021).

Tiliilagi (Tili) Leilua: Pillar of support for families and women

Also born to Sāmoan parents from Savai’i and Upolu, Tili shared her husband’s passion for community service.

Tili said their value of service underpinned all their work.

Peter and Tili's children. Photo/Tiliilagi Leilua.

“It’s the whole thing of tautua and it’s a whole thing of our faith and believing not only in God but also believing in what we do.

“One of the key takes for us is to serve and love our communities and our families where our first ministry starts is with our own home and our children.”

A dedicated youth development and family support worker, Tili worked alongside her husband to co-found the Global Hope Missions Trust (2010), the ARK Trust (2023) and Pou Pasifika.

Tili established the Women’s Cafe Corner, a weekly drop-in at the Wesley Community Centre where women gather, connect, and access support, and is also involved in local Puketāpapa community projects, the Collective Food Hub and Bike Kitchen.

She also advocated for housing security as part of the Roskill Development, led the Puketāpapa Youth Collective, and was a trustee board member at Wesley Primary School.

Peter and Tili express gratitude to their community especially their children. Photo/Tiliilagi Leilua.

Tili said the work was rewarding.

“Looking back over the years, the most rewarding experience is more of the young people coming back and helping out and just watching these young people grow and making the best choices and decisions for themselves and also their families.

“It’s been a real blessing for us and even them growing in their faith has been the most rewarding experience for me and Peter.”

Parting advice

Peter and Tili remain steadfast in their commitment to uplifting young people and Pacific communities.

Peter’s advice is to work hard and use gifts and talents for good.

"To our young ones, continue to do what you need to do. The talent that God has given to them when they fully give it a hundred per cent, that’s them serving the calling because whatever they do, that’s them giving back to their family.”

The Leilua’s extend their heartfelt appreciation to their community who supported them throughout their journey. Photo/Tiliilagi Leilua.

Tili encouraged young people to follow their dreams and support each other.

“It’s ok to go back to the drawing board and always seek wise counsel.

“Be bold and courageous. Whatever dreams they have, it’s always good to step out in faith and just do it. Never give up. Always surround yourselves with people who believe in you and continue to pray for one another as well.”

The Leilua’s extend their heartfelt appreciation to their community who supported them throughout their journey.

“A massive Fa’afetai lava to all who stood by us from the beginning and continue to do so now, our parents, our siblings, Global Hope Missions teams, Merv Huxford, local schools and community, Global Lighthouse Foundation, the Pou Pasifika youth team and especially our beautiful children who continue to cheer us on.

“All glory to God for His unfailing love and blessed us with an amazing community.”