Pinay in New Zealand awarded 'Queen's Service Medal'

A Filipino community leader in New Zealand brought honor to the Philippines after she was named as one of the awardees of the Queen’s Service Medal there, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday. During the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday last June 6, Anita Mansell — who has been in New Zealand for 28 years — was cited for her service to the Filipino community, the DFA said in a statement. “Ms. Mansell has been an active leader in both the Filipino and multi-ethnic communities in Wellington for many years now," according to the DFA. She has taken active roles in the leadership of Filipino organizations such as Wellington International Filipino Society and the Mabuhay Association, the DFA said, adding that she has been supportive of the embassy’s activities. Multicultural councils Mansell has been president of the Hutt Multicultural Council since 2003 and has been involved in the women’s council of the New Zealand Federation on Multicultural Councils. She has also revived the Ethnic Women’s Group in New Zealand and has played an active role in the Human Rights International Film Festival. She was even behind the foundation of the New Zealand Filifest Dance Group, a dance group that is known for its exquisite performances of Philippine native dances. It was established in 2005. Mansell is likewise part of the working groups on government initiatives such as the National Police Ethnic Strategy and the Refugee Health and Well-Being Forums. Two other Pinoys The embassy noted that Mansell is the third person of Filipino descent to be awarded with a prestigious award from Queen Elizabeth II. The two other Filipinos in New Zealand who were given such honors were Dr. Antonio Noblejas and Sylvia Zonoobi. Noblejas was also one of the recipients of the Banaag Award in the 2009 Presidential Awards for Individuals and Organizations Overseas administered by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Zonoobi, on the other hand, was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit, an Order of Chivalry instituted by Royal Warrant for service to refugees and migrant communities in 2003. — JE, GMA News