Akarere Henry, CEO for the South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services (SWPICS), was presented the award for her work to enable her communities of Tokoroa and South Waikato, improving health and wellbeing, taking a lead role for families during COVID-19, and co-designing a diabetes prevention programme that is culturally relevant to Pacific families. 

Through SWPICS' services, they aim to enable families to improve their health and wellbeing and to reach their full potential. Akarere shared her pride in her team and their work in providing services of excellence to their local community.  

“I am fortunate to work for an organisation, who has in their vision, caring for Pacific people today for tomorrow. 

“It’s never, ever, ever about any of us. It is always about our people.”  

Viliamu Malaitai was the second recipient of the Pacific Health and Wellbeing Award of the evening. Founder of PolyActive, a Hawkes Bay grassroots Pacific community movement, Viliamu was recognised for his commitment to enhancing Pacific communities through tailored health initiatives within churches, Pacific disability communities, athlete programmes and Recognised Seasonal Employment groups. 

Viliamu acknowledged his wife for the collective effort that resulted in this award, and the motivation that continues to drive them to this work. 

“Success to me is helping one person. Our vision is to reach the one, save the one. Everyone is valued, and if we build one person at a time, that ripple effect will be everlasting, and that’s a great blessing.”

Watch the full livestream of the awards here.