Former Labour MP Leads Pacific Honours In NZ
Luamanuvao Winnie Laban has been formally invested as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and the Pacific community.
Aformer Labour MP leads the list of Pacific people recognised in this years Queens Birthday Honours list in New Zealand.
Luamanuvao Winnie Laban has been formally invested as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and the Pacific community. Luamanuvao was the first Pacific woman to enter Parliament as an MP in 1999, and is now the first Samoan woman to be made a Dame.
“But then I remembered our parent’s journey, when my parents in particular came in the 1950s who came on a boat from Samoa with dreams.
“And it is that hard work and sacrifice that for me makes me reflect on why this award is so important because it acknowledges the Pacific journey of sacrifice and dreams but more importantly bringing up a generation who must make use of the opportunities.” Dame Winnie said she’s motivated by a Samoan proverb for her leadership of service. “We have a saying in Samoan, “E so’o le fau
i le fau” which talks about the fine mat as woven by many rich deep strands about people and contributions and I have just been really part of all that, and driven by social justice and driven by the issues that ensure the legacy that our parents planted in us, is that everyone makes the most of the education, opportunities and succeeds as well,” she said
Dame Winnie already has a Queens Service Order and is currently the Assistant Vice Chancellor at Victoria University in Wellington.
Also in this year’s honours list - three Pacific women have been made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
The captain of the World Cup winning Black Ferns, Fiao’o Faamausili, for her services to rugby.
“This is definetinely something that I never thought I would be able to achieve but I’ve accepted the honour and I will continue to help those who need the help.” Ms Faamausili said she also hopes her story can influence others.
“And if it inspires one little girl out there to achieve a certain jersey and I’m definitely doing all right in my job.”
Fijian artistic director Nina Nawalowalo has been recognised for her services to theatre and Pacific culture.
She said she’s been privileged to work with a lot of talent to tell unique regional stories in theatre, including stories that empower women’s views.
“That is what I am so committed to enabling people to have the skills to tell their stories, which is of such interest.
“And being able to have the opportunity to do that in all these places, and in all the places is my deep love of exploring identity and Pacific women’s identity and their voice in the world today,” she said.
Caren Rangi, who is an accountant/auditor, is the other officer, and has contributed her services to the Pacific community in a range of governance roles.
Other Pacific recipients in the Queens Honours list are: Saimoni Lealea, Reverend Setaita Veikune, Jacqueline Clarke and Darryl
Bill Suasua each become an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. And Tafafuna’i Fa’atasi Lauese, Reverend Perema Leasi and Lucky Richard Slade have each received the Queen’s Service Medal.
Also in this year’s honours list - three Pacific women have been made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit.