19 January 2015

Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o receives New Zealand Order of Merit

Dr Kiki Maoate, Chairman of Pasifika Futures has congratulated Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o and other Pacific recipients of appointments and awards in the 2016 New Year Honours.

Ms Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o, a social worker and entrepreneur has been made Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the Pacific community.

The honour reflects Ms Afeaki-Mafile’o’s passion and commitment to working with Pacific communities especially with young people, embracing her Tongan culture through her work and the roles she has held throughout her career.

“We applaud the services of Emeline to our Pacific families and communities. I’m sure she feels honoured to be named amongst a group of extraordinary New Zealanders.”

“Emeline is an outstanding individual who has worked for many years serving our communities and has made a significant contribution in mentoring young people, and we are so proud to see her recognised and congratulate her for her commitment and on-going work to help our Pacific families and communities,” says Dr Maoate.

Ms Afeaki-Mafile’o’s passion and drive has been nothing short of extraordinary in shaping her vision as a founder of Affirming Works, a not-for-profit social service organisation which has been providing innovative Pacifica Mentoring services to young people in Auckland.

Since 2001, Affirming Works has supported more than 5,000 youth and children and provided training and employment to more than 100 youth workers.

Ms Afeaki-Mafile’o also runs a social enterprise Community Café in South Auckland and established the Fofola Consultancy which produces independent advice on issues affecting Pacific people, including the Tongan Conceptual Framework for Family Violence in New Zealand.

In 2006 Emeline was awarded the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award. In 2013 she was awarded the Westpac Woman of influence for Community and Social Enterprise.

“Emeline’s career has been strongly executed with so much passion, purpose and effort and has shown everyone that a real difference can be made in community work.”

“There is no doubt that Emeline will continue her path to be successful as a social worker, entrepreneur, and a leader and has gone about that responsibility with a real passion for her voice in the community and the future Pacific people should have,” says Dr Maoate.

Ms Afeaki-Mafile’o is currently serving as a Board Member for Pasifika Futures, the Pacific commissioning agency for Whānau Ora work. She has also served as Community Advisor to the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and as a member of the Pacific Advisory Group to the Ministry of Social Development.

She holds a Bachelor of Social Work with honours, a Diploma of Social Sciences and a Master of Philosophy majoring in social policy from Massey University.

ENDS.

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