Dr Collin Fonotau Tukuitonga a Pacific champion during the COVID 19 pandemic has been made a Knight in the Queen’s
Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours List 2022.
“Dr Tukuitonga , a Niuean, has been a champion of many health initiatives from establishing a Cancer Control Strategy,
managing New Zealand’s response to the SARs threat and consulting on the Painted Apple Moth programme in West Auckland.
“Over the past two years he has been a calm and steady voice for immunisation in the Pacific,” said the Minister for
Pacific Peoples Hon Aupito William Sio.
Luteru (Ross) Taylor a cricketing stalwart for the Blackcaps has been appointed as a Companion of the New Zealand Order
of Merit following his decision to retire from the red ball game.
“A formidable sportsman, Luteru has scored a truly amazing 18,145 runs across all cricket’s formats. He has been a coach
for young players in Samoa and Papua New Guinea and inspires young Pasifika everywhere,” said Aupito William Sio.
Also receiving an honour this year is the operatic bass Jonathan Lemalu. Mr Lemalu is appointed as an Officer of the New
Zealand Order of Merit for his services to opera.
“Jonathan has performed at the Met in New York and the Royal Opera House in London. Many of us will remember when he
sang the national anthem at the 2011 World Rugby Cup,” said Hon Aupito William Sio.
Mangere College Pacific language champion, Mrs Melegalenu’u Ah Sam has been appointed as a Member of the New Zealand
Order of Merit.
“Now deputy principal at Mangere she drove the Pacific languages teaching in South Auckland when she established the
school’s languages L Block in 2012. This has become a hub for Māori and Pacific learning. Mrs Ah Sam has also been a
stalwart supporter of all our Pacific students at the annual Polyfest festivals for many years.
“I wish all those Pasifika people who have been honoured the very best and I am delighted they remain champions for our
communities,” said Hon Aupito William Sio.List of Pacific recipients:KNZMDr Collin Fonotau Tukuitonga, for services to Pacific and public healthCNZMMr Luteru Ross Poutoa Taylor, for services to cricket and Pacific communitiesONZMMr Fa'afetai Jonathan Lemalu, for services to operaMrs Bridget Snedden, for services to people with learning disabilitiesMNZMMrs Melegalenu’u Ah Sam, for services to Pacific language educationMr Les Lehi Tenise Atoni, for services to the Tokelau communityMrs Sandra (Sandy) Borland, for services to nursing and the Pacific communityMr Siaosi (George) Fa’alogo, for services to the New Zealand Police and the communityMr Matthew Faafetai Malietoa (Mataio) Brown, for services to mental health and the prevention of family violenceDr Linita Manu’atu, for services to Pacific education and the Tongan communityMs Kiriovea Jasmin McSweeney, for services to the film industryMrs Tolupene (Neta) Peau, for services to the Tokelau communityMr Bill Urale, for services to music and the communityQSMMs Gabrielle-Sisifo Makisi, for services to Pacific communities and educationReverend Vaelua Salafai Mika, for services to church ministry and the Samoan communityReverend Hiueni Nuku, for services to Tongan and Pacific communitiesMrs Vaipou Saluni, for services to education and the Pacific communityMr Luther Alafia Toloa, QPM, JP, for services to the Pacific community