Niue National Awards 2024

The Government of Niue is pleased to announce the Honors List in celebration of the 50th anniversary of self-government and the Niue Constitution.

The Niue National Awards honour individuals for their long-standing service, voluntary contributions, demonstrated innovation, and entrepreneurial efforts that have positively impacted the livelihoods of others in the Niuean community. The awards were announced by the Speaker of the Niue Assembly, Honourable Hima Douglas and the Niue Distinguished Service Cross Awards was presented by the Governor General and Chief in Commander in and out of the Realm of New Zealand, Her Excellency Dame Cindy Kiro GNZM, QSO, DStJ.

NIUE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

1. Mrs. Lapati Paka
   Born on July 12, 1935, Mrs. Lapati Paka is currently 89 years old. She began her education at Kofekofe Primary School and pursued nursing training in Western Samoa in 1951. After working as a nurse, she furthered her education with a home economics course sponsored by the South Pacific Commission in Suva, Fiji. In 1965, she joined Niue’s civil service as the Women’s Interest Officer, where she was instrumental in establishing the Niue Council of Women and contributed significantly to the construction of Makini Hall. In 1975, Mrs. Paka became one of the first Niuean women elected to parliament, serving two terms. Throughout her career, she remained an active leader in her community, participating in village, church, and youth activities. In recognition of her dedicated public service, she was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in 1993. She also received the South Pacific Commission’s Golden Jubilee Award for her contributions.

Today we honour her with a Niue Distinguished Service Cross for her services to the Government of Niue and community.

2. Hon. Lata Posimani
   Hon. Lata Posimani, born on January 29, 1938, began his career as a male nurse at Lord Liverpool Hospital at age 16. He served as a Member of Parliament for Tuapa and later became Minister for Community Affairs, Telecommunications, and Sports. After leaving politics, he was elected Speaker of the Niue Assembly and also owned VeeJays Restaurant. He contributed significantly to his village as a councilman, lay preacher, and community leader, organizing women’s sports and spearheading the Niue Island Sports inter-village competition. Nationally, he established the Niue Market, introduced lawn bowls, led sports teams overseas, and orchestrated the recognition of Niuean soldiers during ANZAC services in Australia. A respected Matua of Tuapa, he remains a motivational figure, known for his daily messages of encouragement and love.

Today, we honour him with the Niue Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his outstanding service to the Government of Niue and the community. His award was accepted on his behalf by his granddaughter Ms. Jade Posimani.

3. Honourable Billy Graham Talagi

Hon. Billy Graham Talagi Born on March 22, 1957, is a dedicated and long-serving member of the Niue Legislative Assembly, currently in his ninth term (2023-2026). Over his distinguished career, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Chairperson of the Bills and Legislation Committee and the Constitution Review Committee, and is a member of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). First elected in 1997, he has represented both the Avatele constituency and the Common Roll, consistently contributing to key legislative committees. His tenure as Cabinet Minister from 2014 to 2020 included responsibilities for critical portfolios such as Natural Resources (agriculture, fisheries, environment) and Social Services (health, education, justice). He also played pivotal roles in managing public expenditure, legislative reforms, and Niue’s constitutional review. With over 20 years of public service, in various roles, he has demonstrated his versatility and commitment to community development. Hon. Talagi’s contributions to Niue’s political, social, and cultural sectors spans decades. His dedication and service exemplify a lifetime commitment to advancing the well-being of Niue and its people.

Today we honour him with a Niue Distinguished Service Cross for his exception service and contributions to the Government of Niue and the community.

NIUE COMMUNITY SERVICE STAR

1. Mr. Tamatoa Misikea

Mr. Tamatoa Tom Misikea, born on January 9th, 1959, has dedicated over 50 years of service to his community. A graduate of the University of the South Pacific’s Alafua Campus (1978-1980), Tom has been deeply involved in the Hakupu-Atua village, serving in various leadership roles. He has contributed to community development through groups such as the Hakupu Ekalesia, Hakupu Men’s and Women’s Councils, and the Hakupu Resource Advisory Committee, which was established in 2018. He was the former Chairperson of the Hakupu Village Council and has supported the Hakupu Young Peoples Fellowship since its founding in 1974. Tom retired from public service in 2012 after serving 37 years with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Currently, he is the Deputy Chairperson of the Niue Growers Association, re established in 2019. He also serves as a Deacon and Church Choir Master for the Hakupu Ekalesia Church, where he has contributed to the cultural and spiritual life of his community. His passion for Niuean culture and the performing arts has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Niue’s identity and values

Today honour him with the Niue Community Service Star award for his outstanding service and contributions to the community.

2. Mrs. Beckys Tauasi

Mrs. Beckys Christmas Tauasi born on December 24, 1955, has been a dedicated leader in the Niue Girls’ Brigade since joining in 1965 at age 10. She became a commissioner in 1975 and has served as the national commissioner since 1996. Beckys has represented Niue in international Girls’ Brigade meetings, led the review of the handbook, and is passionate about climate and traditional knowledge advocacy. She is also active in the community, serving as a land commissioner, Sunday school teacher, and board member for various organizations, including the BCN Board and FCW. She continues to play a key role in women’s empowerment and youth development in Niue.

Today, we honour her with the Niue Community Service Award in recognition of her contributions to the Niuean community.

NIUE PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

1. Mrs. Minemaligi Pulu

Mrs Minemaligi Hetutu Pulu devoted over 30 years to public health in Niue, serving as the Maternal Child Health Nurse at Niue Foou Hospital. In addition, she took on multiple roles, including Community Health Nurse, school health nurse, and home visit nurse. Her career in the Niue Public Service began at Lord Liverpool Hospital and continued at Niue Foou Hospital, where she mentored many young nurses, helping them advance into leadership roles. As a scholarship recipient, Minemaligi pursued futher studies at the Fiji School of Nursing in 1973. Minimaligi’s fluency in Vagahau Niue and English enabled her to effectively deliver public health programs and participate in immunization, family planning, and maternal health workshops across the Pacific. In August 2020 she was appointed as a Land Commissioners of the Niue High Court and in June 2022 graduated with a Certificate of Justice, University of the South Pacific Niue. Since retiring, Minemaligi has remained active in the community, serving as Deputy President of the Aliutu Women’s Lalaga Group, a member of the Niue National Women’s Council, and a qualified Lay Preacher.

Today, we honour her with the Niue Public Service Award in recognition of her outstanding services and invaluable contributions to the Niue Public Service.

2.Mr Sionetasi Pulehetoa

Mr. Sionetasi Pulehetoa was born of the 12 August 1955, he started in the Public Service as a radio trainee in January 1973 at telecom Niue. He managed the weather services at telecom until it became a standalone entity in 1996 where he spearheaded the establishment of the newer metrological service for the first time in Niue. He became the first of operational focal points for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) the United Nations framework convention on climate change UNFCCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Tsunami Warning Focal Point. He won a lifetime award by the climate and ocean support program with the Pacific in 2019 and was presented at the Pacific meteorological council meeting. He initiated for new age to become a pilot country for climate traditional knowledge in 2015. He worked 43 years for the government and retired at the age of 60 in 2015. He did a three-year term as a new public service commissioner from 2017 to 2020.

Today we honour him with the Niue Public Service Award for his exceptional service and significant contributions to the Niue Public Service.

Note: This is only the fourth year for Niue’s Honors List, giving recognition to those of our people who have given exemplary service for their island. Before submitting for an award, nominators must contact the Premier’s Department first.

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