She assisted in the newly immigrated families from Fiji settle into life in New Zealand, often providing food, clothing and beddings as required.

A Fijian woman who now resides in Masterton, north of Wellington, was one of the 179 Kiwis who received awards the New Year’s honours for 2018.

Sereana Comeke Phillips was noted for being the lone recipient for the Honourary Queen’s Service Medal (QSM).

Ms Phillips has served the Fijian community in Wellington on a voluntary basis for more than 20 years.

She has been involved in early community work including organizing cricket teams from Opunake High School and the Taranaki region to visit Fiji for matches against the Lakeba Cricket Club.

She assisted in the newly immigrated families from Fiji settle into life in New Zealand, often providing food, clothing and beddings as required.

She gave significant support to the Fijian High Commission in Wellington in the planning and preparations for the visits of various dignitaries, including the President of the Republic of Fiji.

She has been a member of the Wellington Fiji Community Contact Group since its establishment in 2000.

As a member of the group, she has been involved in organising various events for dignitaries and the Fiji Day celebrations in 2015 and 2016.

She has also been a member of the Wellington Fijian Language Komiti since 2013.

Ms Phillips has been a key organiser of the Fijian community’s fundraisers and preparation for the annual Wairarapa Pasifika festival.

As a member and representative player for the Masterton Golf Club for 20 years Ms Phillips has promoted the sport in Fiji and represented Fiji in various tournaments.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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