Matalena Leaupepe was one of five people presented with a medal by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Ms Leaupepe was recognised for her work building relationships between Pasifika and the public sector.
She was Chief Advisor, Pasifika for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment before being appointed Director of the Government Centre for Dispute Resolution in September.
Ms Leaupepe launched the Tupu Tai internship programme in 2016, which has seen dozens of Pasifika graduates and students work in the public service.
