A Queen's Service Medal recipient in the New Zealand New Year's Honours says he is humbled by the award.
Reverend Elder Aotofaga Lemuelu II was honoured for his work with the Pacific community in Southland and Auckland for many years.
Reverend Lemuelu was instrumental in the establishment of the South Seas' Health Centre in Otara in Auckland ten years ago.
Reverend Lemuelu says Pacific people with limited English seeking medical treatment can sometimes feel overwhelmed when trying to explain what's wrong with them.
But he says at the centre language is not an issue.
"The centre is well facilitated for doctors who can speak two languages and it helps people where English is so limited."
Reverend Lemuelu was also responsible for helping to set up the Lotu Moui Health project which promotes health in the Pacific Island community in South Auckland.
