The first Pacific priest ordained in Rome in 1990, Samoa’s Father Paulo Sagato Filoialii, is among 24 people of Pacific heritage who have been nominated in New Zealand’s 2023 New Year’s Honours list.

Father Paulo and 11 other Pasifika people on the list have Samoan heritage. 

In an interview with Radio New Zealand, Father Paulo said he is dedicating his award to the community he has served for decades which has in turn supported him.

"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 told Radio New Zealand. 

Father Paulo has contributed his time to the Catholic community in Christchurch and Ashburton.

Upon Father Filoialii being ordained, the Samoan mass was performed for the first time in the Vatican, resulting in Pope John Paul II decreeing that the Samoan mass can now be performed anywhere in the world.

Among the 24 people of Pasifika heritage nominated was the former Premier of Niue, Young Vivian, Fiji-born Dr Api Talemaitoga, Lisa Taouma, the producer and director of Coconet TV, the largest pool of Pacific content on screen in New Zealand and the lead singer of the popular band Ardijah, Betty-Anne Monga, who has been recognised for services to music.

Young Vivian started his career as a teacher in New Zealand. He went to a British school based on an English system. He failed English and was told to leave because enrolments were backed up.

He said he "begged the education officer" to stay so he was sent to Northland College and was "very happy" there. Community members say he has been instrumental in fostering a love for Vagahau Niue, or Niue language, as a respected elder.

Dr Api Talemaitoga was also acknowledged for his decades-long work in the medical sector.

"I see it as a profound privilege, I have this knowledge about health and I find it a real pleasure to do it."

More than three decades in the job after graduating in 1986, he has a deep sense of pride for the next generation.

"I was really fortunate to be given the opportunity to give the graduation address at the University of Otago for medical students," he said.

"To see the highest number of Pasifika medical students walk across the stage was really emotional.

"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."

The full list of Pasifika nominees in the New Year's Honours list are:

To be Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit:

The honourable Mititaiagimene Young Vivian, former Premier of Niue - For services to Niue.

To be Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit:

Nathan Edward Fa'avae - For services to adventure racing, outdoor education and the Pacific community

David Rodney Fane - For services to the performing arts

Dr Apisalome Sikaidoka Talemaitoga - For services to health and the Pacific community

Lisa-Jane Taouma - For services to Pacific arts and the screen industry

To be Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit:

Father Paulo Sagato Filoialii - For services to the Pacific community

Sefita 'Alofi Hao'uli - For services to Tongan and Pacific communities

Lakiloko Tepae Keakea - For services to Tuvaluan art

Marilyn Rhonda Kohlhase - For services to Pacific arts and education

Felorini Ruta McKenzie - For services to Pacific education

Betty-Anne Maryrose Monga - For services to music

Sullivan Luao Paea - For services to youth

Rosanna Marie Raymond - For services to Pacific art

The Queen's Service Medal

Kinaua Bauriri Ewels - For services to the Kiribati community

Galumalemana Fetaiaimauso Marion Galumalemana - For services to the Pacific community

Hana Melania Halalele - For services to Pacific health

Teurukura Tia Kekena - For services to the Cook Islands and Pacific communities

Nanai Pati Muaau - For services to Pacific health

Lomia Kaipati Semaia Naniseni - For services to the Tokelau community

Ma'a Brian Sagala - For services to Pacific communities

Mamaitaloa Sagapolutele - For services to education and the Pacific community

Honorary

Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai - For services to education and the Pacific community

Tuifa'asisina Kasileta Maria Lafaele - For services to Pacific health

Nemai Divuluki Vucago - For services to Fijian and Pacific communities