June 02, 2013
Nganeko Minhinnick honoured for life of kaitiakitanga
The woman who put the term kaitiaki into planning law has been made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Dame Nganeko Kaihau Minhinnick from Ngāti Te Ata was honoured for her services to Māori and conservation.
The 73-year-old took a claim to the Waitangi Tribunal in 1985 for the protection of the Manukau Harbour.
Some of her ideas about the role of tangata whenua in environmental protection influenced the Resource Management Act, which was written a few years after.
She also served a term on the Auckland Regional Council as one of two elected Māori members.
Northland kaumatua John Klaricich of Omapere was made a Companion of the Order of New Zealand for services to Māori and the community.
Professor Piri Sciascia of Ngāti Kahungunu became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori arts.
New members of the order include Robert Mingi Elliott, of Te Awamutu, for services to Māori and mental health services, Morvin Te Anatipa Simon of Whanganui, for services to Māori, and Crown Forestry Rental Trust Chief Executive Darrin Sykes, for services to touch rugby administration.
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