A number of Pacific people have been recognised for their commitment to their communities, in the New Year's Honours.
Elma MaUa reports.
"The highest recognition goes to Associate Professor Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop who receives the Office of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to research on families for the past 30 years."
It came as a great surprise, I'm not sure who nominated me or why but it's an honour to have such an award and an honour to Pacific women as well.
The Order of Merit goes to Reverend Epeli Taungapeau for services to the Tongan Community, to Christchurch based, Guinevere Eti Eves Newport for her services to the Pacific community and to the producer of the weekly television programme Tagata Pasifika Stephen Stehlin, for his services to the arts. Pauline Winter has been awarded the Queens Service Order for her services to Pacific business, while Viola Taule'aleausumai, Ioane Teo, and Zilina Teura Atua Tangata Vero, receive the Queens Service Medal for services to health, the Tokelauan and Cook Islands communities respectively.
