Mr Lemalu Silao Sefo, of Auckland, MNZM for services to Pacific health
Lemalu Silao Sefo is Chief Executive of South Seas. His ability to gather wide support from the community and Government has enabled the expansion of support for the Pacific community during the COVID-19 pandemic. He established the first Pacific Community Based Assessment Centre at Otara shopping centre, which included a permanent doctor to assist those without access to a GP. He helped establish a Pacific Hub for Flood and Cyclone Relief, providing essential support to families through food parcels, Pacific partners and services. Through South Seas, Mr Sefo helped establish an 0800 Helpline with operators fluent in Pacific languages to remove communication barriers for families needing support and advice.