Tokoroa's Kinleith Mill closure is to be decided by the end of the month and politicians and family gather for the final day of Dame Tariana Turia’s tangihanga. Video / NZ Herald
Pastor Peter Leilua and his wife, Pastor Ausiaalemanaia Tililiilagi Leilua, have described receiving their King’s Service Medal (KSM) honours as a momentous occasion.
Peter Leilua received the email first. Tililiilagi Leilua said it wasn’t until she had checked her work email that she realised she was also receiving a KSM.
Speaking to RNZ Pacific, Peter Leilua said he initially thought it had come to the wrong email address.
“We received another reminder email, and that’s when we realised it was real.”
“We thought about the times and seasons working late, growing weary and tired, but because we had each other, we were able to lean on each other and encourage one another, with the support of our greatest cheerleaders, our children.”
"This award is not just ours; it is for our children, family, and community." Photo / Leilua family
They both agreed it was an honour and a privilege to receive the award.
“This award is not just ours, it is for our children, family, and community. We share this special award and moments with you all.”
Tililiilagi said they created the Global Lighthouse Foundation as a vehicle to engage with communities and promote Global Hope Missions projects.
“I specifically worked with our young teen mums and also met regularly with local women who overcame anxiety and depression, over a talanoa, worship music, and coffee.”
Peter Leilua said during the pandemic they founded Acts of Roskill Kindness (“ARK”), which has since become a trust. During the floods of 2023 they worked tirelessly to help families, that had sought shelter in Wesley Primary School Hall.
Peter Leilua said they were still in the process of working with displaced families were affected by the floods. They could not have provided such assistance without the support of the “local community, volunteers, trust, and groups who continue to serve alongside us”.
“There have been some crazy days and nights.
“In the summer of 2009, we decided it was time to leave our comfortable good jobs and test the assignment of working at the grassroots level supporting our local families.” Tililiilagi said.
Pastor Peter Leilua and his wife, Pastor Ausiaalemanaia Tililiilagi Leilua have been honoured with King's Service Medals for dedication to youth and Pacific communities. Photo / Leilua family
“We passed each other over the years and Tili and I met again in the year 2000 not knowing we were going to work together. The boss who interviewed me stated I was going to meet a princess. I walked in, and that’s when I saw my wife,” Peter said.
“I was so happy it was her because I didn’t have her number when I spoke to her earlier that year. We started as close friends, young and in love. We got married in 2005 and had our first child.”
The Leiluas have five children: their eldest son is 19, the second eldest son is 18 and attends University in Japan, a 16-year-old daughter who is in high school, a 10-year-old daughter who is attending intermediate school in the new year, and their youngest daughter, who is 4.
“Our children are our biggest cheerleaders and our priority. They believed in us as much as we believed in them. They play a big part in this journey. They make it so worthwhile, having children who understand and want to be involved, makes it a whole lot easier.”
The couple is still in the process of completing their Pasifika Puketapapa Plan, which is connected to some of their community initiatives.
For the year ahead they plan to work together with churches, completing their Lalaga community model and host a Pasifika youth summit in the creative arts sector.
The Leiluas have advice for their community; “For those who are passionate about a particular project, don’t hesitate to reach out and step out in faith and do it”.
“Seek wise counsel, surround yourself with people who believe in you. Be bold and courageous. You never know, or see the impact until you step out. For us, we did. Now we get to share this with you also.”
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