Left to right: Beatrice Roini Liua Faumuinā, Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni, Lemalu Freddie Ah Kuoi.
Photo: RNZ Pacific / Photosport / file
Twelve Pasifika people in New Zealand received awards in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
The New Zealand Royal Honours acknowledges people who have served their communities and recognizes their achievements.
The honors system includes three Orders: The Order of New Zealand; The New Zealand Order of Merit; and The King’s Service Order.
Various other medals are also awarded: including the King’s Service Medal, the New Zealand Antarctic Medal, and New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration.
A total of 178 recipients were congratulated across New Zealand on Monday – six percent were Pacific Islanders.
Olympian Beatrice Roini Liua Faumuinā was named a Companion of The Order of New Zealand for her services to sport and governance.
“It’s a real good reflection of all the work that’s happened in the last 20 years, transitioning from being an athlete into the governance world, and wanting to be able to contribute in spaces where you can make real impacts and transition for many people,” the former New Zealand Trade Commissioner and Consul-General in New York said.
For some of the newly inducted Members of the Order, the awards have come as a total surprise.
Tofa Robertina O’Halloran, who was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), was at a loss for words.
“I’m just flabbergasted, and I had never expected anything like this. It was just a surprise,” she said.
“My son called me and said, ‘Mum, look at your email’, and I said, ‘I’ll read it later’. He said, ‘Look at it now’. I don’t know, I’m just short of words to say to him.”
O’Halloran was acknowledged for services to education and the Niuean community.
As one of the first Niuean primary teachers in New Zealand and a volunteer Vagahau Niue (Niuean language) educator, she attributed her award to those that inpsired her to follow this path.
“I can thank the old folks who encouraged us to maintain the language, that’s who I acknowledge first, because they’re the ones who kept us going.”
For the founder of Samoan fashion brand Mena Designs, the recognition feels like a testament to their success.
Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni, MNZM, taught herself to sew dresses for her family, she never expected to one day be the first Pacific business invited to showcase at the New Zealand Fashion Week.
“I did not expect anything, you know. I was so surprised when I got the email, oh my goodness… We knew the business was very successful, because we sell worldwide… I feel honored, and I feel humbled, I feel proud to be recognized.”
Loheni has seen her brand become a household name in Oceania fashion, and has showcased globally in Fiji, Japan, Canada, and the United States of America.
Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni, the founder of Samoan fashion brand Mena Designs.
Photo: Supplied
Okesene Seanoa Faraimo was named MNZM for services to the community, Tokelau language and culture.
The long-time social worker has played a key role in the development of multiple Tokelau focused strategies, reports and programs, and has been a strong advocate for the revitalization of Te Gagana Tokelau (the Tokelau language).
Faraimo said it is an honor to be acknowledged for his work.
“When I was told that I am nominated for this award I thought of the many others doing great work supporting whanau and the community, so I am very humbled to receive this award.”
For Lemalu Freddie Ah Kuoi, MNZM, being honoured for services to rugby league and the community has made him reflect on his long career.
“What it does show to me is that God’s hand is on my life, he’s given us to act on and to use wisely while we’re here, and so it gives me great confidence, and knowing that yes, I’m on the right track. Thank you, Lord.”
At 18 years old, Ah Kuoi made his debut in the international rugby scene in 1975, before becoming the youngest Pasifika player to captain the New Zealand Kiwis at the age of 23.
Now he runs the ‘WAI – Who Am I’ course, helping mentor young offenders through physical training and life coaching.
He says his many achievements are thanks to the many hands that have helped along the way.
“The medal represents most of the fact of all the things in my life that I’ve done, and the people that were involved with it, because you know, you can’t do it on your own, you know, it’s something that’s usually required teamwork.”
Fred Ah Kuoi playing for the New Zealand Kiwis.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon congratulated the Honours recipients for their ‘outstanding efforts.’
“The achievements and service of every New Zealander honoured on this list have helped make our country a stronger, better place, and I would like to thank them for their contributions,”
“Congratulations to all the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours recipients. New Zealand is incredibly proud of you and stands alongside each of you in celebration.”
The full list of Pasifika inductees/awardees
To be Companions of the said Order (CNZM)
Beatrice Roini Liua Faumuinā, ONZM – for services to sport and governance
To be Members of the said Order (MNZM)
Freddie (Lemalu Freddie) Ah Kuoi for services to rugby league and the community
Okesene Seanoa Faraimo for services to the community, Tokelau language and culture
Fane Fusipongi Ketu’u, JP for services to Tongan language education
Inspector Neru Grant Leifi for services to the New Zealand Police and the community
Filomena Loheni – for services to Pacific fashion
Tofa Robertina O’Halloran for services to education and the Niuean community
Esitone (Leota Pauga Esitone) Pauga for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Kathleen Tuai for services to the Pacific community
Vania Nive Hannah Wolfgramm for services to rugby
The King’s Service Medal (KSM)
Reverend Tapita Taia Ching for services to the Pacific community and education
Vaitoelau Kumitau for services to the Niuean community
