By Katalina Siasau

Educator Meleane Pau'uvale, who originates from Vava'u, was named as an Honorary Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for King Charles III Birthday and Coronation Honours 2023. She is being recognised for providing essential services to the Tongan community and education.

Meleane lives in Manurewa, New Zealand. On a personal visit to Tonga, Meleane told Matangi Tonga today that she is honoured and humbled to be given this honour.

She said this recognition was only possible with her many supporters, including her family’s contribution, and the teachers, parents, and the New Zealand's Ministry of Education, who helped her along the way.

Meleane co-founded Akoteu Katokakala (AKK) in 1999, after noticing young Tongan children were having difficulty with their education. This playgroup transformed into an Early Childhood Education centre, after receiving funding in 2006.

She has been the head teacher of AKK since its formal establishment and has continuously encouraged parents, guardians and teachers to seek further education to continue to provide for the children, by running regular fono and well-being workshops, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meleane helped publish three books consisting of stories and poems in Tongan to help children understand their heritage, and among other initiatives, she continues to run programs for children in primary, intermediate and high schools to encourage students to pursue careers as teachers.

"After teaching in high schools for many years, I recognized the importance of early childhood education as a strong foundation that paves a way for better education when the child grows up...some of the problems high school students deal with in their education is somehow related to early education."

Meleane is one of over 10 Pasifika people (including Tongans) whose contribution and important works in different areas in New Zealand were honoured in the King's Birthday and Coronation Honours 2023 list, released on 5 June.

Tongans, Dr Semisi Taumoepeau and Dr Siale Foliaki were honoured as Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Dr Taumoepeau is being recognized for services to education and tourism, while Dr Foliaki is recognised for services to mental health and the Pacific community.

https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/kings-birthday-and-coronation-hono... [2]