Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Minister of Maori Affairs

31 December 2012

Maori Affairs Minister congratulates New Year’s Honours recipients

Maori Affairs Minister has congratulated the recipients of the 2013 New Year’s Honours, and is particularly delighted by the list of those who have been recognised for their contribution to Maori.

“I am pleased to see the list of this year’s recipients. There are a number of wonderful and deserving people who have been honoured for their significant contributions to the lives of New Zealanders, as well as the development of Maori communities.”

“I am pleased to see that Mark Solomon has been awarded the highest honour of Knight Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit. Mark has been a staunch advocate of iwi development, and with his highly attuned business acumen has been part of the cohort of iwi leaders who have raised the profile of Maori business on the global stage.”

“He sits amongst great company in this year’s list, and I am particularly pleased that Bob Harvey who has also received the honour of Knights Companion for his work in local government and community. I have great respect for the work Bob has done in the community. He has not only helped to shape the greater Auckland region, his commitment to building communities has also had a profound effect on Maori living in Auckland.”

“I congratulate both of these gentlemen for this esteemed achievement.”

“I also wish to congratulate Keri Kaa, Dr Turoa Royal, Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Gavin Bishop, Rawiri Paratene, Henare Rakihia Tau, Gregory Makutu, John Tangaere, Patrick Wikiriwhi Thompson, and Lisa Carrington.”

“Each of these people have made significant contributions to the nation through their respective work, whether it be in education, sport, art, or community work. They have also had a huge impact on our Maori communities through promoting our culture, providing support for whanau, and generally advancing Maori development. They are all role-models for a new generation of rangatahi, and I congratulate them for their success.”

“Keri Kaa is an artist, reo advocate, and an all-round stalwart of Maori culture. I am pleased that she has been recognised as a Companion of the Order (CNZM). Also receiving this high honour of CNZM is Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, an internationally renowned researcher, and advocate of kaupapa Maori; and Dr Turoa Royal whose commitment to Maori education has been demonstrated through his on-going work in Te Wananga o Raukawa, and the support he has provided to students and graduates.”

“Gavin Bishop, who receives the award of Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) is an author and illustrator of children’s books, who has ensured that bi-cultural, and bi-lingual literature is accessible to our children.”

“Rawiri Paratene is an acclaimed actor, whose roles on stage and screen have portrayed some of our most well-known Maori heroes. When I think back over the many productions that he has been involved in, it is hard to think why had not received this honour earlier, and I am very pleased that he has been recognised as an ONZM.”

“Also receiving the award of ONZM is Henare Rakihia (Rik) Tau, who is a much loved and respected kaumatua of Ngai Tahu and Ngai Tuahuriri. Rik is an Associate of Canterbury University and a founding Trustee of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust. In 1986, Rik filed the Ngāi Tahu claims with the Waitangi Tribunal, spear-heading an extremely significant treaty settlement that would have an enduring impact for generations to come.”

“Lisa Carrington is to be a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, recognised for her contribution to the sport of kayaking. She is a wonderful role model for our rangatahi, showing that with perseverance and dedication anything can be achieved.”

“Awarded with Queen Service Medals are Constable John Tangaere, Iwi Liaison Officer based in the Hawkes Bay; Gregory Makutu, based in Australia, who has been instrumental in providing support for Maori veterans living in Australia; and Patrick Wikiriwhi Thompson, kaiwhakahaere for Ngati Turi o Aotearoa.”

“I am pleased to be starting 2013 on this positive note, and I congratulate each of these recipients, alongside all of those recognised in this year’s New Year’s honours.”

“Finally, I wish us all a wonderful and happy start to the year, and hope that 2013 will bring us closer to achieving our aspirations and goals.”

ENDS

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