Two Niueans are amongst nine Pacific Islanders recognized in this year’s King’s Birthday Honors for their services to Pacific communities across New Zealand.
Leitualaalemalietoa Lynn Pavihi of South Auckland was awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Pacific education.
Pavihi has been contributing to education for 19 years and was integral in the establishment of the first Niue language bilingual unit which opened in 2021 at Favona School in South Auckland.
Mailigi Hetutū of Wellington was also awarded the King’s Service medal for services to the Niuean community.
A community leader, Hetutū has contributed to the preservation and revitalization of the Niuean language, culture and heritage for 30 years.
Prominent Pacific people in the arts, health, and education are among this year’s King’s Birthday Honors recipients.
A total of 176 people were awarded the King’s Birthday Honors this year.