A combat specialist for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) – Filipe Sione Malakai Latu of Manukau – was last week awarded recognition as Sailor of the Year.  RNZN.

The award was announced during a Navy ceremony in Auckland, and the RNZN stated that he's the first Pacific Islander and Tongan to receive this recognition.

“I was in shock”, said Filipe. “It just blew my mind. Everyone was clapping. My palms were sweating. My brother said, ‘I’ve never seen you go so pale’!”

Filipe used to work at Auckland Airport pushing trolleys before joining the RNZN in 2008 after being encouraged by his older brother, Mark, who also serves in the navy and last year became the first Tongan Warrant Officer in the RNZN.

Filipe holds the rank of Acting Leading Seaman Combat Specialist and organises events such as multinational celebrations and meetings with foreign delegations. He also supervises sailor and officer trainees in parade and ceremonial drills.

“I like to be the guy in the background, helping people to get the best out of themselves, but now I’ve ended up in the front. It’s still sinking in”, said Filipe.

As Sailor of the Year, Filipe will be given the honour of representing all RNZN sailors in functions and events in New Zealand and overseas.

“I will have to balance this role with my work as a Seaman Combat Specialist and my work on the RNZN Pasifika Island Community Forum,” he said.