Pacific trailblazers recognised in 2026 King’s Birthday Honours
Twelve Pasifika leaders have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List, celebrating decades of dedication to sport, language revitalisation, public service, education, and community development across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
Representing Sāmoan, Tongan, Tokelauan and Niuean communities, this year’s recipients have spent generations strengthening cultural identity, creating opportunities for young people, and serving their communities both locally and internationally.
Highest Pacific honour awarded to Beatrice Faumuinā
Leading the Pacific recipients is former world champion discus thrower and Olympian Beatrice Faumuinā, who has been appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to sport and governance.
Faumuinā represented New Zealand at four Olympic Games and five Commonwealth Games and has continued to influence sport through leadership, governance and athlete wellbeing initiatives. Her work has also helped elevate Pacific representation across a range of sectors.
Honouring leaders in sport, language and public service
Several recipients were appointed Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for their outstanding contributions.
Freddie Ah Kuoi – For services to rugby league and the community.
The former Kiwis captain made history as the youngest Pasifika player to lead the national side. Beyond the field, he has dedicated years to mentoring young people and supporting community programmes focused on rehabilitation and personal development.
Okesene Seanoa Faraimo – For services to the community and Tokelau language and culture.
Faraimo has been a longstanding advocate for Tokelauan education, wellbeing and language preservation, helping ensure Te Gagana Tokelau continues to thrive for future generations.
Fane Fusipongi Ketu'u – For services to Tongan language and education.
For more than four decades, Ketu'u has championed Lea Faka-Tonga through schools, churches and cultural events, including significant involvement with Polyfest.
Inspector Neru Grant Leifi – For services to New Zealand Police and the community.
Leifi has played a key role in strengthening relationships between Police and Pacific communities while contributing to family violence prevention initiatives and international peacekeeping work.
Tofa Robertina O’Halloran – For services to Niuean language and education.
A respected educator and language advocate, O’Halloran has spent more than 60 years preserving and promoting Vagahau Niue through teaching, writing and cultural leadership.
Filomena Loheni – For services to Pacific fashion.
As founder of Mena Designs, Loheni has helped showcase Pacific creativity on international stages while mentoring emerging designers and artists.
Leota Pauga Esitone Pauga – For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Pacific community.
Pauga’s career spans more than four decades, including efforts to increase Pacific representation within emergency services and the establishment of Afi Pasefika.
Kathleen Tuai-Ta'ufo'ou – For services to the Pacific community.
Her leadership has contributed to improvements across health, housing, Whānau Ora services and family violence prevention programmes.
Vania Wolfgramm – For services to rugby.
The former Black Fern has been recognised for her work developing women’s rugby and creating pathways for Pacific athletes and leaders.
King’s Service Medal recipients
Two Pacific community leaders were awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for their grassroots contributions.
Rev Tapita Taia Ching – For services to the Pacific community and education.
Based in Nelson, Ching has supported Pacific families through education, youth development and church leadership.
Vaitoelau Kumitau – For services to the Niuean community.
Kumitau has spent decades promoting Vagahau Niue while supporting Pacific students, families and community initiatives in Dunedin.
Protecting language, culture and future generations
A common thread across this year’s Pacific recipients is their commitment to preserving language and culture while creating opportunities for younger generations.
Many of those recognised have dedicated their lives to ensuring Pacific languages remain strong in Aotearoa, alongside their work in education, sport, emergency services, health and community development.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged the contribution of all recipients, saying: “The achievements and service of every New Zealander honoured on this list have helped make our country a stronger, better place, and I would like to thank them for their contributions.”