Rhia Taonui: 2025 Civic Honour Award winner

Published on 24 November 2025

Bequeathed the chiefly Samoan title of ‘Tufuga’, Rhia Taonui has championed cultural inclusion and equity for Māori, Pasifika, women, youth, and families for over two decades.

Pivotal in establishing the first Memorandum of Understanding between Palmerston North City Council and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Rhia blends visionary leadership with grassroots action, strengthening Pasifika communities through cultural, educational, and wellbeing initiatives.

She is co-founder and governance lead of the Niuvaka Charitable Trust, co-founder of the Regional Pacific Partnership Trust and the Māori and Pasifika Literacy Programme.

Rhia has held governance roles with PACIFICA Inc. (Palmerston North), founded the PACIFICA Women’s Collective Manawatū, and is policy and governance lead for Youth Nu’u Trust and Tautua Incorporated, also serving as a Women’s Refuge and is a Regent Theatre trustee.

Her policy submissions to the United Nations endorsed the elimination of violence against women and children, and pay equity.

A Justice of the Peace, Rhia has used her cultural, governance, and civic platforms to educate and empower communities, contributing to Palmerston North as a centre for intercultural collaboration and partnership.