Mrs Melegalenuu Ah Sam, MNZM, of Auckland, for services to Pacific language education
Melegalenuu Ah Sam is Deputy Principal of Mangere College. She established Samoan language teaching at the college, later driving the addition of Cook Islands Māori and Lea Faka-Tonga, and led the establishment of the Languages ‘L Block’ as a hub for Māori and Pacific learning.
She is a founding member and executive officer of Fotu o Malama, the Association for Teachers of Samoan Language and Culture in secondary and tertiary sectors.
She is lead coordinator of the Samoan stage and a member of the ASB Auckland Polyfest organising committee and Trust Board. Mrs Ah Sam is Treasurer of EFKS New Zealand New Vision Church.