Samoan descent

Lemauga joined the Labour Party in 2000 and was the highest-ranked Labour List candidate who was not elected at the 2020 election.

She joins the largest ever Pacific caucus in Aotearoa’s Parliamentary history, with a total of 11 members of Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island and Tokelauan descent.

Born and raised in South Auckland, Lemauga is known for being a strong advocate for Pacific communities. During her 12 year background in local body affairs, she was elected to the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local board in 2010 and spent the last 9 years as Chair.

Daniel Mataafa, who is of Samoan descent, is a Regional Pacific Nurse Case Manager based at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital and said he was "surprised and honoured" to be this year's recipient.

The 29-year-old was recognised by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation for providing "outstanding, holistic care and going above and beyond for staff and patients - particularly using Te Tiriti principles."

Chosen from 20 nominations, he said he felt "truly honoured".

Of Samoan descent, has recently been appointed to the Deloitte Pås Peau aiga as Deloitte’s first Pacific woman Partner.

As a Risk Advisory, Forensic Discovery, Data and Analytics Partner in the Wellington office, Amy’s focus will be to assist clients better manage regulatory, public inquiries, litigation, risk and investigation matters involving large volumes of structured and unstructured data using advanced technology enabled solutions.