The British Honorary Consul and former Attorney General, Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latu has followed in her grandfather's legacy and her hard work has resulted in her being awarded the Membership of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Her late grandfather Taulapapa Dr. Anesi was also bestowed an MBE for services to medicine in Samoa. She is now one of three people from Samoa with the MBE honour.

"This adds a special poignancy to the receipt of this award,” she said. 

“I respectfully honour his memory and of my grandmother Maryann Penn Anesi, and acknowledge all the members of my family. My parents Tao and Winnie, my husband George and my children Malaki and Yasmina, as well as the many teachers, colleagues and friends, who have contributed to my life and career.

“I offer praise and thanks to the Lord for His great provision over my life, for the blessings and opportunities made available to me and that of my family, and fervently pray that His Grace continues to abound in all we do and all that we are.” 

Taulapapa is honoured and humbled by the recognition that she said was “unexpected and far too generous given the priviledge of carrying the role of Honorary British Consul. 

Her role in that office has been “fascinating and enjoyable in all its parts” she added. 

Taulapapa was also appointed as one of the judicial officers for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. 

She was first appointed as the British Honorary Counsel in 2013 by the then British High Commissioner to Samoa, Vicki Treadell and has served four High Commissioners before the current British High Commissioner, Gareth Hoare. 

Born and educated in Wellington, New Zealand the recipient of the MBE order came to Samoa in 1996 as part of the NZ Staffing Assistance Scheme and was appointed the Attorney General in 1997. 

She held the post for 9 and half years until 2006 and currently practices law with her husband Matafeo George Latu as partners in the firm Latu Lawyers. 

The Orders of the British Empire honours start with a Member of the Order of the British Empire MBE with the next higher level which is the Order of the British Empire OBE and higher still, the Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE.

The only Samoans that were bestowed the CBE honours were former joint Heads of State, Tupua Tamasese Meaole and Malietoa Tanumafili II.

Aside from Taulapapa and her grandfather another Samoan who has been the recipient of the honours was Joseph Edmund Stehlin. 

Taulapapa is the daughter of Cuthbert Stanley (Tao) Heather and Tauaneai Winnie Anesi who migrated to N.Z. in the late 1950s.

 A reception to celebrate Taulapapa’s recognition in the King’s New Year’s Honours List took place last week.

The British High Commissioner to Samoa, Gareth Hoar and the British High Commissioner to Australia and Head of UK Oceania Network, Vicki Treadell were also present to congratulate Taulapapa.