Mrs Vaisamoa Manoa, of Auckland, QSM, for services to the Tuvalu community
Mrs Vaisamoa Manoa, of Auckland, QSM, for services to the Tuvalu community.
Vaisamoa Manoa was a founder of the Tuvalu Christian Church, the first Tuvalu church in New Zealand. She has led the women's fellowship, created Sunday school groups, and supported the establishment of a youth group. She has helped maintain the Tuvalu language and helped found Funafuti Tuvalu women’s committees to uphold traditions and customs. She has taught traditional songs and dances, weaving and needlework. She has appropriated materials available in New Zealand to create traditional items. Mrs Manoa is a member of Te Uluniu Tuvalu Taumatua Trust, which provides services to the Tuvalu communities in Auckland.