Phelysha Brown-Acton's work to secure rights and support for minority groups has raised the profile of transgender communities in New Zealand.
The director of Fi'ne Pacifica Aotearoa is one of 17 Pacific people recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.
Ms Brown-Acton, a transgender herself, received the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Pacific and LGBTQI peoples.
But as she tells Christine Rovoi, her journey which goes a long long way back - was not all smooth-sailing.
Phelysha Brown-Acton says most of her work is around bridging not only in NZ but in the Pacific Photo: RNZ Pacific / Christine Rovoi
