Maualaivao Albert Wendt ONZ, CNZM, was made one of only 20 members of the Order of New Zealand in 2013. Maualaivao Albert has published his poetry with Auckland University Press for many years as well as and three influential, edited volumes of Pacific writing in English.

2013 marked the fortieth anniversary of the publication of his Sons for the Return Home, which is bringing many acknowledgements of his achievements as a writer, artist, scholar and teacher. Besides being made ONZ, he was the 2013 AWRF Honoured Writer and his achievements were noted by motion of Su’a William Sio in the New Zealand Parliament, "We say now to high chief Maualaivao thank you for your services, thank you for lifting up families, thank you for lifting up our countries”.

Watch the TV3 interview with Maualaivao Albert about his new honour, here.