Memea Eleitino Bubsy Ma'aelopa has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Pacific community organisations in New Zealand's Queen's Birthday honours.
He has been a member of many local organisations and forums, including the University of Canterbury Samoan Student's Association, and senior cultural advisor for the Christchurch Secondary Schools Pasifika Cultural Festival.
Mr Ma'aelopa also helped to establish the Pacific Trust Canterbury and is a member of many nationwide and government related panels and reference groups.
He says being recognised for his work is an unexpected but wonderful surprise.
"This award I'll share with family and friends and especially our community. That they have been supporting me right through these many years."
Memea Eleitino Bubsy Ma'aelopa.
