Chair of the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand, local government public servant for more than 20 years, and long-standing community and Pasifika leader and advocate, Mareta Matenga.

Inspiring broadcast journalist, Susana Suisuiki, nominated for her work in the Radio/Podcast space, receiving special commendation for her current affairs show as Presenter and Producer of Pacific Waves on RNZ Pacific (www.rnz.co.nz/pacific)