Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga

Minister for Ethnic Communities

6 June 2016 Media Statement

Minister congratulates ethnic communities recipients

Ethnic Peoples Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga congratulates the recipients of Queen’s Birthday Honours who have served their ethnic communities.

"The achievements of these remarkable people will inspire a new generation of young people to serve their ethnic communities,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“The efforts of these outstanding people ensure people of diverse cultures keep their heritage alive while also contributing to New Zealand society.”

This year’s recipients include Professor Wei Gao for services to science and engineering; Dr Pushpa Wood for services to financial literacy & interfaith relations; Mr Viduranga Aruna Abeygoonesekera for services to New Zealand-Sri Lanka relations and the Sri Lankan community; and Mrs Nanette Nathoofor services to the Indian community.

ONZM; Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Professor Wei Gao - For services to science and engineering

“Wei and his son set up Alpha Group manufacturing and produce health products with ingredients extracted from medicinal fungi, natural plants and marine life in Auckland. Wei Gao is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and has served as the Chairman of the New Zealand Chinese Scientists Association since 2012,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Dr Pushpa Wood - For services to financial literacy & interfaith relations

Dr Wood is the Director of Westpac Massey Financial Education and Research Centre and Chair of the New Zealand Chapter of the World Council of Religion and Peace. She recently facilitated the OEC Community Leadership programme.

MNZM; Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Mr Viduranga Aruna Abeygoonesekera - For services to New Zealand-Sri Lanka relations and the Sri Lankan community.

Mr Abeygoonesekera was appointed Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in 2007 and has helped promote trade and economic relations between NZ and Sri Lanka.

QSM; Queen’s Service Medal

Mrs Nanette Nathoo - For services to the Indian community

“Nanette Nathoo leads the Indian women programmes and chairs the Law and Order Crime Prevention committee of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Indian Central Association. From 1999 to 2002 she was a Trustee of the Mahatma Gandhi Centre,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

ENDS

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