June 06, 2023
Prime put Māori voice in environment law
Ngapuhi and Ngati Hine kaumatua Kevin Prime has been acknowledged for more than 50 years of service to Māori and the environment.
He’s been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honour’s List.
Mr Prime’s hopes of taking things easier after long service as a commissioner on the Environment Court were dashed when he was appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal in 2021.
He’s also a life patron to the Ngāti Hine Health Trust, vice chair of Ngā Whenua Rāhui, kaumatua and former chair of Foundation North, ad a member of board of the Bio Heritage National Science Challenge.
Maori Development Minister Willie Jackson says Mr Prime has made a significant contribution to both Māoridom and the environment.
He was one of the original drafters of parts of the Resource Management Act, and in recent years has come up with the most successful treatment of kauri dieback to date.
Mr Jackson says he also wants to congratulate those Maori in the honours list who are being honoured for their contributions in the arts, health, governance, science and education.