June 02, 2014
Gongs for treaty negotiators
First come the treaty settlements and then come the awards.
This year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list includes many individuals who have helped steer their iwi through the treaty settlement process.
In the far north, Rangitane Marsden of Ngai Takoto and Haami Piripi of Te Rarawa were made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Bevan Taylor, who has chaired Maungaharuru-Tangitu since 1992, was made a Member of the Order, just months after the northern Hawkes Bay hapu cluster’s settlement was signed into law.
Vanessa Eparaima, who chairs the Raukawa Settlement Trust and is a director of CNI Iwi Holdings, was also made a member.
Rahera Ohia of Ngati Pukenga was awarded a Queens Service Medal.
Dr Huirangi Eruera Waikerepuru was awarded the CNZM for his services to Maori
In the health area, new members of the order include Miri Hawiki, who chairs the Muturangi Hauora Marae Trust; and Dr Tony Ruakere, a former chief advisor of Maori health for the Ministry of Health and a foundation member of Tui Ora and Te Ora, the Maori Doctors Association.
Iron Maori co-founder Heather Te Au Skipworth was awarded a QSM for her efforts to encourage Maori to embrace physical and mental health through physical exercise.
The National President of the Maori Women’s Welfare League, Kataraina O’Brien, was made an Officer of the Order of New Zealand, as was Andrew Thompson, the current Tumuaki o te Kingitanga.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd