33 Conferred Honorary Awards for their Service

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia/ SAMOA – 02 June 2026: A special part of the Samoa’s 64^th Independence celebrations was the conferring of honorary awards on 33 recipients.

The recipients were nominated by the public and selected by a three-member committee led by Archbishop Mosese Tui.

The recipients were selected based on their service and contribution to the development of Samoa in any trades.

Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt said that in 1993 the investiture ceremony for the conferral of national Honours and Awards has stood a solemn initiative of the Government.

“Service is the essence of our Samoan heritage. The devotion rendered in support of families, churches, communities and our nation has long defined our collective journey,” said the Prime Minister, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

The honorary awards were presented after the opening of the restored Mau Movement headquarters at Vaimoso in the morning and the laying of wreathes on the graves of some of the country’s leaders.

Leader of the Mau a Pule, Lauaki Namulau’ulu Mamoe (standing 3rd from left with orator’s staff) and other chiefs aboard a German warship taking them to exile in Saipan,1909.

The Prime Minister said that the recognition of some of the recipients have been long overdue.

People like Tupua Tamasese Lealofi 111 whose famous dying words were “My blood has been spilled for Samoa I am proud to give it…If I die, peace must be maintained at any price.”

Namulauulu Lauaki Mamoe, Mataafa Iosefo who all played major roles in the fight for Samoa’s freedom through the Mau Movement.

Iiga Sauni Ioane Kuresa who wrote the Samoan national anthem and whose father wrote the lyrics of the Samoan classic “Lota Nu’u”.

Then there is exile Iiga Pisa who made history by crossing from Saipan to Guam paddling a canoe. The Iiga Pisa Strait exists to date.

According to history, Iiga was exiled to Saipan with 70 other Samans by the German, but because he missed the boat that return all the exiles home, he then built a small canoe and paddled across the 120-mile passage.

Other recipients have contributed through education, sports and other academic trades.

The awards were divided into the 8 categories

1. Malietoa Cross Recipients 

Tupua Tamasese Lealofi 111 (deceased)  – He was recognised by his bravery for leading the second wave of the Mau Independence movement. He was known for his perseverance in the fight for Samoas freedom which resulted in his family being banished to Savaii. He later became a representative of the Mau Movement and as its leader after Taisi Olaf Nelson was arrested.  The New Zealand administration failure to suppressed the Mau Movement resulted in his arrest and served time in prison in New Zealand. He returned to Samoa in 1929, the same year he was shot during a peaceful march on 28 December.  That day is known in Samoan history as the “Black Saturday.”  The Award was received by Tupuas nephew Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi.

2. Chief Order of Merit

Namulauulu Lauaki Mamoe (deceased) – He was the founder and the leader of the Mau a Pule in Savai’i during the Germans time. His chiefly title of Namulauulu is from Savaii whilst the Lauaki title was from Tonga for his dedication to his family. In 1908, he led the first Mau Movement known as Mau a Pule I Savaii who strongly opposed the German administration at the time. In 1909, the German soldiers captured him, put on a boat with 71 other Samoans sent to exile in Saipan In 1915 after 5 years in Saipan, he returned to Samoa unfortunately, he passed at sea enroute to Samoa. His grand daughter and family members accepted the award on his behalf.

3. Order of Samoa

Mata’afa Iosefo (deceased) – Mataafa was a prominent figure who advocated for Samoa’s independence during colonial rule. The German administration later exiled him to the Marshall Islands. During the power struggle between the United States, German and Great Britain, the Germans supported Mataafa to become the Alii Sili or King under German administration. A relative accept the award on his behalf

Mataafa Iosefo standing.

Iiga Pisa (deceased) – He was a member of the Mau a Pule Movement who worked closely and exiled together with Lauaki and others to Saipan. He made a historical journey of 120 miles in a small canoe from Saipan to Guam before returning home. He later served at the Government at the Department of Samoan Affairs and was the only member of the Mau a Pule that witnessed Samoa’s independence in 1962. There is a memorial monument in Saipan with the names of Iiga and all other Samoans exiled to Saipan.

Le Mamea Tuiletufuga Dr Ropati Mualia – He is a pharmacists by profession and a leader in numerous areas. In 1979, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Leafaga & Faleaseela constituency. He is a founding member of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) and had served as Cabinet Minister for several ministries. He was instrumental in the establishment of the National University of Samoa as the Minister of Education. In 2015 he retired from politics and from 2016 to 2025, he served as a Member of the Council of Deputies.

Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu – He served 27 years as Samoas Chief Justice and was recognised as the longest- serving Chief Justice in Samoan history.

4. Companion of the Order of Samoa. 

To’oa Salamasina Tamato Malietoa (deceased) – She was the first Samoan appointed as Principal of Papauta Girls College, serving for 50 years and contributing to development of culture and education in Samoa. She was the sister of Malietoa Tanumafili 11 and served as a member of the Womens Mau Movement who continued opposing the New Zealand administration at the time.

Salamasina’s niece Papalii Momoe von Reiche and daughter who received the award.

Le Tagaloa Leota Tama Sauafatu Dr Pita Pola Alailima – He is a man of many trades who has served in various areas. He was lecturer at the National University of Samoa, the University of the South Pacific, and also at Leulumoega college for some time and a deputy principal  of USP. He has also served at various international agencies. In 1974, his constituency of Palauli le Falefa selected him as their Member of Parliament and so entered politics. He also served as Cabinet Minister and is a recipient of several United Nations awards.

Misa Telefoni Retzlaff – He is the author of many books and a lawyer by profession. He is known as one of the most prominent public servants and politician who served as the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Attorney General for Samoa.

Reverend Aisoli Tapa Iuli – He served for more than 30 years as a Minister for the Methodist Church Samoa, also elected as president in 2012 he is a musician, performing art and teacher. He led several synod in Samoa and American Samoa before he was appointed President of the Methodist Church in 2012. In 2015, he retired victoriously – malolo manumalo and is currently serving as the Chairman of the National Council of Churches since 2022.

Leaupepe Toleafoa Apulu Fa’afisi – He was appointed as speaker of the house for 3 parliamentary terms and was a Member of Parliament for Aana Alofi 1 for 30 years. He served three terms as Speaker and have served as a Cabinet Minister. He is also a businessman.

Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua – He was a politician and Member of Parliament for Aana Alofi 1 for 4 parliamentary terms. He also served as the parliament Speaker and was also a cabinet minister and later Speaker of the house.

5. Recipients of the Order of Merit

Sister Maria Tolotea Tauaifaga – She has served 80 years as a Catholic nun and has dedicated her life in serving the Lord and the age of 20, she dedicated her life into a new calling which to date, she still does. She is 100 years old and is in good health.

Leiataualesa Leaana Dr Lancelot Eves – A medical doctor by profession and is a former rugby player. He operated a clinic in town which he retired from at the age of 80 after 56 years of service as a medical doctor. He used to conduct free medical check-ups for his village on Saturdays.

Leaana Dr. Lance Eves.

Papali’i Memea Alagaelua Samuelu Petaia – Another medical practitioner, Papalii served in health sector for 52 years across Upolu and Savaii. He has also served as the Samoa Medical council for 3 years and 6 years as chair of the national kidney foundation

Afamasaga Va’afusuaga Telesia Alipia – She is the founder of the Teacher Training School for Early Childhood Education at Sogi after teaching for many years. She served as Director for Early Childhood Education and later become Chairperson at the USP Centre Malifa. She has also established and operated the Early Childhood Education in Avondale, Auckland and the New Zealand Government recognised her service with an Honour Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2021,

Tofa Tavana Namulauulu Va’afuti Tavana – A teacher by profession whose career started at Leififi College, he established the Centre for Culture and Environment in Saipipi and has served as a senior Curriculum Developer at the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture. He also served a principal Teaching Pesega College and as Director and chairperson for many sectors of education. He is currently a Director research at the University of Hawaii.

Afoataga Faumuina To’aletai David Tua – A successful Samoan born athlete who achieved outstanding performances in professional boxing. To’aletai was ranked world number 1 by the IBF and WBC (2000) and is a recipient of many Gold Medals from many international competitions

Jai Opetaia – He is a professional boxer who has secured 30/30 wins from his fights where he won 23 knockouts. He is the first Zuffa Boxing Championship and also named the IBF Championship.

1. Officer of the Order of Samoa Recipients.

Anae Lupematasila Lima Arthur John Anae – He was the recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2025. He is the man behind the petition for New Zealand to ease visa requirements for the Pacific. He is also the founder of the Samoan Citizenship Movement-advocate to restore the NZ citizenship rights for Samoans born from 1924 to 1949.

Iiga Sauni Ioane Kuresa (deceased) – A musician by profession, he founded the Apia Brass Band and later the Leauvaa Brass Band. He is well-known for composing 2 national anthems for Samoa. “Samoa Tula’i” which is now the national anthem and a hymn for the coronation of the king of Samoa if a monarch is selected. He rewrote and revised the verse “Fa’avae i le Atua Samoa” to reflect Christianity in Samoa today.

Family of the late musician Iiga Sauni Kuresa

Apostle Viliamu Mafoe – A church leader who founded the Worship Centre Christian Church. He was instrumental in setting up 99 branches of the church across the world and as for as South Africa.

Pastor Alaimoana Willie Papu – He was the founder of the Samoan Independence Seventh Day Adventist in New Zealand and served 45 years in S.I.S.D.A.C. He was a teacher and in 1977, became a pasto in the US and later served in the Ministerial mission in New Zealand.

Tualatamalelagi Karanita Loveni Enari – He was the first scholarship student to graduate as a lawyer in New Zealand and the youngest Secretary to Government at 27 years old. He also served as the Governments legal adviser and has served as the Chairman of the Association of Referees in Samoa.

1. Member of The Order of Samoa Recipients

Luagalau Levaula Kamu – A lawyer by profession he served the public. He later became a Member of Parliament and served as the Chairman for the Samoan Advisory Council in NZ. In 1996, he became the Minister for Public Works, the portfolio that ended suddenly when he passed in 1999.

Rev Tavita Roma – He served for 8 years as the Chairman to the EFKS and also as Member of the Commission for Gagana Samoa in 2020-2021. He and his wife served as pastor at Salailua for many years before retiring two year ago.

Papalii Montgomery Richard Betham Senior – A well-known Samoan boxer during his hey days was also inducted into the Samoa Boxing Hall of fame. In 1975, he was the Commonwealth Middleweight Champion. He was one of a few Samoan boxers during his time.

Tofilau Tapua’i Soti Mapu – He has served as the captain of 37 years of service as sea captain and Assistant General manager at the Samoa Shipping Corporation. He advocated for the establishment of the Samoa Shipping Corporation and the professional development of staff. (Tofilau is pictured above with his family)

Savae La’auli Sir Michael Niko Jones – A former rugby player who has received New Zealand Order of Merit 1997 and Pasifika Rugby Hall of fame 2025. In 1990, he received the New Zealand Commemoration medal and in 2003, was inducted into the International Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was conferred the title Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of merit.

Rugby legend Savae Sir Michael Jones with wife Maliena Jones and Masunu Talapusi, grandson of the late Iiga Pisa who received the Order of Samoa on behalf of his grandfather.

1. Head of states Service Order Recipients

Aioulupotea John Roache – He was a rugby coach and administrator for 31 years as the representative of Lakapi Samoa in Auckland New Zealand. He is also the President of Auckland Rugby Union.

Saunimaa Pasi Ueligi Sauni – He served 59 years of in the Ministry of Education and Culture as a teacher and School Inspector. He contributed to 9 schools as an educator.

Papali’i Toaivao PaulPerez  He has served for 40 years of service to the Head of State custodian of Samoa’s customs and language and also acted as a secretary to the late Malietoa Tanumafili 11.

Tautai Toko Tofaeono – He is a pilot but also a former rugby player for Manu Samoa.  He survived a fatal plane crash in 1997 with one other passenger.

The Honours and Awards takea place every two years.

The Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi 11 and Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmid presented the honorary awards before families and friends that came to support their families.