Uluomatootua Aiono, ONZM, Auckland.
For services to business. Mr Uluomatootua Aiono, founded COGITA, an international high-technology enterprise specialising in resource planning software for blue chip manufacturing and distribution companies, in 1983. He was the first Samoan to complete the Otago MBA in 1986, and is the first Samoan to start a high-technology enterprise in New Zealand. He has a keen interest in promoting business and entrepreneurship. COGITA annually sponsors the ‘Inspiration Award’ in the Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards, as well as the annual Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards. He is a member of the Auckland Regional Economic Development Forum and the Auckland University of Technology Council. He is Chair of the People’s Centre Trust, the Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce, and the National Pacific Radio Trust. Mr Aiono is a director of Habitat for Humanity Greater Auckland, and an officer in the Salvation Army Otahuhu Corps.