Already well-known for his selfless dedication to serving his people and the Pasifika community in south Auckland, Brian Pulefolau has received numerous honors for his voluntary efforts over the years.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has now acknowledged his efforts to serve his country as the Supervisor of Security Guard Forces at Papakura Military Camp.

Brigadier Rob Krushka, who presented Mr. Pulefolau with a Commendation for Exceptional Leadership, stated that Mr. Pulefolau embodied all the qualities the Defence Force looked for in its personnel.

“He is a symbol of professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty, representing the ideals and highest customs of the New Zealand Defence Force. Brigadier Krushka declared, “He is a great ambassador and a proud member of the Security Guard Force leadership.”

Originating from Niuea, Mr. Pulefolau joined the NZDF in 2013 and has served in several capacities within Defence Security. Since 2018, he has served in the south Auckland camp as the Supervisor of Security Guard Forces.

He and his staff are in charge of providing camp security, which involves handling guest reservations, keeping track of emergency procedures, escorting emergency services to affected areas, keeping an eye out for alarms, and making sure his team is properly educated.

Additionally, Mr. Pulefolau has introduced a number of healthy lifestyle programs at the camp, including training in financial wellness and physical exercise and healthy nutrition.

The initiatives he has assisted in putting in place have improved the long-term health and well-being of his employees and their families; several of them have even bought their first houses.

Mr. Pulefolau remarked, “I really care about my team and hope to make a difference outside of the parameters of my everyday job.”

Using repurposed fishing rods and reels from departing soldiers, I instruct my team in a range of life skills, including fishing. We have harvested an abundance of snapper and kahawai.

He leads the camp as well as the larger Pasifika community in Auckland, throughout New Zealand, and abroad.

He was reared in Manurewa and is willing to volunteer his time and energy outside of the NZDF, something that Brigadier Krushka has acknowledged.

Brigadier Krushka described him as “an active member of his local community, church group, sports teams, and the wider Pasifika community in addition to being a loving and devoted father to his family.”

Additionally, Mr. Pulefolau oversees programs that ship recycled goods to the Pacific.

“I’ve started recycling civilian clothes from soldiers that would otherwise end up in a landfill and sending them to Fiji. I’ve also started recycling building materials and sending the resources to Tonga to help build houses that have been destroyed by cyclones,” the commander stated.

He co-founded the Pasifika Autism assist Group with his wife Betty, raising awareness of neurodiversity in the Pasifika community and providing a venue for Pasifika parents and caregivers to meet and interact with other families who assist family members on the autistic spectrum.

Autism New Zealand presented Mr. Pulefolau with the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016.