Va'aiga Tuigamala
Va'aiga Tuigamala, of Henderson, received the Insignia of a Member of the NZ Order of Merit at an investiture ceremony on 26 September 2008. Inga Tuigamala had a long, distinguished rugby league and union career and more recently has been involved in the Auckland community. Known as “Inga the Winger”, he enjoyed a successful rugby career playing 19 tests and 20 other matches for the All Blacks from 1989 to 1991 before continuing his career overseas. He is now involved in the local West Auckland community, particularly with the Family Anti-Violence Pacific Campaign, as a motivational speaker and as a role model for Pacific Island youth.