A weaver, a former broadcaster, and a social worker, with close ties to Pacific Island countries have been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours, announced in New Zealand today.
All three have been credited for their service to the Pacific Island community in New Zealand.
Bridget Tunnicliffe reports:
"Samoan Fa'amatuainu Tino Pereira has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He played a pioneering role in setting up Pacific broadcasting in New Zealand and has for the last 20 years been involved in a variety of Pacific organisations around community development. Niuean Sionepaea Kumitau has been given the same award for his years of service as a social worker, promoter of the language, and involvement in rugby. And Samoan master weaver Misa Emma Kesha has been awarded the Queen's Service Medal for representing New Zealand at various art events and in setting up a number of organisations to share her knowledge of the artform."
