The New
Year Honours list for 2023 saw a number of Pacific
leaders recognised for their contribution to the Pacific and
wider New Zealand community. Among the esteemed recipients
are two of Etu Pasifika Christchurch’s Board Directors and
Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) members; Dr Apisalome
Talemaitoga (ONZM), for his services to health and the
Pacific community, and Father Paulo Filoialii (MNZM), for
his services to the Pacific community.
Dr Talemaitoga
was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit,
reflecting the decades of service he has provided in the
medical sector both in NZ and the Pacific region.
Speaking
to RNZ about this achievement, Dr Talemaitoga is humbled
by the recognition.
“I see it as a profound privilege,
I have this knowledge about health and I find it a real
pleasure to do it.”
Dr Talemaitoga is a strong
advocate for the next generation of the Pacific health
workforce, and is proud to see more Pacific medical students
take up the call of service that he did over three decades
ago.
“I can happily retire now that I see this new
generation of young people, enthusiastic, bright, diverse
and they are the ones that will carry on the load in the
future.”
PMA Chief Executive, Debbie Sorensen,
acknowledges and extends her congratulations to Dr
Talemaitoga.
“Dr Api is an exceptional leader in the
health sector and we are proud to see his service
acknowledged. He has been a pillar of strength to our
Pacific community, most recently during the Covid-19
pandemic, and we have all benefited from his support and
guidance.
We are grateful to have him as a Director,
as a colleague, and as a friend of the PMA, and we look
forward to continuing the journey alongside
him.”
Father Paulo Filoialii was made a Member of the
New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to the Pacific
community. He was the first Pacific Priest to be ordained in
Rome in 1990, and has since dedicated his life to his
community in Christchurch and Ashburton – a dedication he
also makes with this honour.
“I want to offer this
medal for the Pacific Island people, this is for you, not
for me. This medal I will receive is for all of you and I
thank you all for your prayers, for your love and your
support, God bless you all,” he
shared with RNZ.
Sorensen also congratulates
Father Paulo and acknowledges his contribution as a Board
Director of Etu Pasifika Christchurch.
“Father Paulo
has served the South Island tirelessly for a long time. He
knows the community, he walks with them, and he leads with
their voices at the forefront, ensuring Etu Pasifika
provides the best possible service for our
families.
We are proud to see him recognised, and are
privileged to walk with him.”
The PMA acknowledges all
the Pacific recipients of this year’s New Year Honours, and
extends heartfelt congratulations to Mr Sefita ‘Alofi
Hao’uli (MNZM) who has worked with PMA for many years to
serve the Tongan community and Recognised Seasonal Employer
(RSE) workers, as well as Dr Jane Elizabeth Skeen (MNZM) who
has dedicated her career to improving the conditions for
children diagnosed with cancer in New Zealand and the
Pacific.
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