At the Manukau Cruising Club on Friday last week, a memorable evening honoured the two major milestones achieved by Akiheuho this year. The first recognition celebrated the Whānau Ora team, who received the Core Performance Award at the Pasifika Futures (PFL) Whānau Ora Conference in August. The second accolade was the Manaaki Award, presented to the Aotearoa Tongan Response Group (ATRG) by Horticulture NZ in recognition of their dedicated support for Tongan RSE workers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastating flooding last year.
CEO Makahokovalu Pailate warmly welcomed guests and attendees, recounting the significance of these achievements before presenting flower bouquets to Whānau Ora team members, including Susi Tameifuna (team leader), Sipinga To’ofohe, Tina Fifita and Moeaki Vehikite. Chair of the Tongan Health Workers Association, Mr. Manu Fotu, extended words of gratitude for the team’s hard work, briefly discussing the Association’s role in supporting families’ health and welfare.
Staff and volunteers who traveled to Hawkes Bay for the relief efforts received gifts in acknowledgment of their support work. The evening featured “māfana” speeches during dinner, while lively music set the tone for a joyful celebration, leaving attendees happy and satisfied.