Mr Eddie Fa’avae, of Nelson, Honorary KSM for services to the Pacific community
Eddie Fa’avae drove establishment of the first Congregational Church of Samoa in the northern South Island, becoming a foundation member and the first Deacon of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Nelson. He was a founding member, Chairman and cultural advisor of the Nelson Tasman Pasifika Community Trust. He has strengthened relationships between the Pacific community and local iwi. He partnered with local stakeholders to bring the first migrant workers to the Nelson region. This initiative transitioned into the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, and Mr Fa’avae provided pastoral care to workers and helped with integration into the community.