Pacific leaders and community champions celebrated in King’s Birthday 2025 Honours

Pacific leaders, educators, and advocates have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, showcasing the depth of service and leadership across Aotearoa’s Pacific communities.

Among this year’s recipients, former MP and Auckland Councillor Anae Lupematasila Lima Arthur Anae has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his decades-long advocacy for Sāmoan rights and Pacific representation in public life.

Anae, a successful businessman and a staunch advocate for Pacific political activism, spearheaded the long-running campaign to restore New Zealand citizenship to Sāmoans affected by the Citizenship (Western Sāmoa) Act 1982.

He was instrumental in collecting 100,000 signatures presented to the New Zealand Government in 2003 and led the Mau o Sāmoa I le Sitiseni committee from 1997, ensuring the issue remained a priority for many years.

His efforts culminated in the passing of the Restoring of Citizenship Removed by the Citizenship (Western Sāmoa) Act 1982 Bill in November 2024.

Anae also served as a List MP from 1996 to 2002, the National Party's first MP of Pacific heritage, and held office as a Manukau City Councillor, and later as an Auckland Councillor, where he chaired the Economic Forum for both councils.

Okesene Uili Galo was also made an MNZM for his dedicated service to the Tokelau community, both in New Zealand and Tokelau.

A former Tokelau Public Service Commissioner and Minister of Finance, Galo has been a cornerstone of Tokelauan community efforts in Wellington, supporting language, culture, and advocacy work through organisations like the Wellington Tokelau Association and Te Umiumiga o Tokelau Hutt Valley.

Meleua Ikiua has been appointed an MNZM for her leadership in promoting and developing Vagahau Niue (the Niuean language) in New Zealand's education sector.

Anae Arthur Anae appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to the Sāmoan community. Photo/RNZ/Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Ikiua has worked on curriculum development and resource creation to revitalise and strengthen Niuean language learning and has advocated for increasing Pacific representation in educational policies.

Service to Pacific communities through social work, community development and governance roles has earned John Kumitau being made an MNZM.

He has led key Pacific organisations in Northland, co-chairs the Multi-Ethnic Community Advisory Board, fosters police–community ties, and advocates for Pacific families as General Manager of Fale Pasifika Te Tai Tokerau.

In the South Island, Pauline-Jean Luyten lawyer has been made an MNZM for her contributions to rugby and the Pacific community in South Canterbury.

A co-founder of the Tongan Society South Canterbury, Luyten has championed Pacific representation in rugby, co-leading NZR’s Pasifika Advisory Group and mentoring future Pacific leaders.

Ngatepaeru Marsters made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to midwifery and Pacific communities. Photo/Supplied.

Ngatepaeru Marsters has also been appointed an MNZM for her work in midwifery, advocating for culturally appropriate maternity care for Pacific women and supporting initiatives to increase the representation of Pacific midwives.

Marsters has played a significant role in the development of New Zealand’s Pasifika midwifery workforce.

Softball administrator and community leader Annie Scoon, has been made an MNZM for her services to softball and the Pacific community.

A life member of Manawatū Softball, Scoon also leads cultural, health, and language programmes through the Papaioea Pasifika Community Trust and supports Pacific wellbeing across the region.

Eugene Meredith of Auckland was appointed an MNZM for services to American football. He has been a key figure in the growth of the sport in New Zealand since 1987.

As President of the Metro Lions since 2004, he has helped build the club into the country’s largest and most successful, coaching teams from juniors to women’s and earning Life Membership in 2019.

Meredith has also created pathways for young players to secure athletic scholarships in the United States and has held long-standing governance and officiating roles in the sport nationally.

John Kumitau was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to the Pacific community. Photo/supplied.

Three Pacific recipients were awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM), acknowledging their grassroots contributions.

Zora Feilo-Makapa was recognised for her efforts in supporting the Niuean community and promoting Pacific arts and crafts in Aotearoa. Through cultural events and advocacy for artists, Feilo-Makapa has helped sustain and celebrate Niuean identity and heritage.

In Hawke’s Bay, Berry Jane Rangi has been recognised for her service to Pacific communities. A co-founder of Tiare Ahuriri, the Napier branch of the national Pacific women’s organisation PACIFICA Inc., she championed women’s health, boosted screening rates, and has volunteered for more than 30 years with Meals on Wheels. Rangi also helps preserve Cook Islands culture through tivaevae workshops and community leadership roles.

Papali’i Seiuli Johnny Siaosi has been awarded for his work in Pacific health, and the Pacific community. He is a respected leader who has played a major leadership role in spearheading Pasifika governance within the mental health and addiction sector.

Three Pacific leaders were also awarded Honorary Members of the King’s Service Medal, recognising their outstanding contributions.

Eteuati Fa'avae, is based in Nelson, was honoured for services to the Pacific community. He has strengthened Pacific communities in Nelson, co-founding key organisations and supporting the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme through pastoral care for migrant workers.

Annie Scoon was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to softball and the Pacific community. Photo/Palmerston North City Council.

Siesina Ofahelotu Latu of South Canterbury was recognised for her services to the Pacific community. She has led cultural, education, and health initiatives for Pacific communities in South Canterbury, while serving in governance, social work, and church leadership roles.

Viliami Teumohenga, also honoured, for services to education and the Pacific community. For more than 15 year, he supports Pacific students in education, especially in STEM through the Amanaki STEM Academy, and contributing to community development efforts.

Ewan Francis Smith has been recognised for his long-standing contribution to Cook Islands business and tourism, continuing a legacy first honoured in 2019.

Smith, who is Managing Director of Air Rarotonga, has been made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

He oversaw the airline’s growth into one of the largest private employers in the Cook Islands and played a vital role in maintaining essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon congratulated all 188 recipients of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, saying they were “proof that individual actions build a strong and thriving country”.

“I would like to thank all of the New Zealanders on this list for their service and achievements,” he says.