Soloi Sanders
Soloi Sanders, of Nelson, received the Queen's Service Medal for services to the Pacific Islands community. Mrs Sanders immigrated to New Zealand from Samoa in the 1960s and as immigration into the Nelson area grew, she established the Nelson Pacific Islands Community Organisation, which has been a solid supporting foundation for many Pasifika people. In the 1980s she also established the Nelson Pacific Islands After School Programme to provide children extra help with their homework while also using the programme as an opportunity to teach Pacific culture. The Ministry of Education subsequently used the model in other parts of New Zealand, and funds the Nelson programme. Since her retirement in 2005, Mrs Sanders has continued to be involved in Pacific Island events in Nelson.