Ms Vai Kumitau, of Dunedin, KSM for services to the Niuean community
Ms Vai Kumitau leads efforts to revitalise Niuean culture and Vagahau Niue (the Niuean language), using storytelling, songs and community events. She has worked with Vagahau Niue Trust during Niuean Language Week, and is a founding member of the Pacific Trust Otago. She supports researchers to contextualise Niuean artefacts in museum collections. She provides practical support and traditional Niuean meals to scholarship students at the University of Otago and Knox Theological College. As Niuean elder of the Pacific Islands Presbyterian Church in North Dunedin, Ms Kumitau mentors youth, and supports Niuean theological students and their families.