Celebrating local government changemakers

Thirteen former and current local government leaders have been acknowledged for their service in this year’s New Year’s Honours List:

• Cynthia Brooks KSM (King’s Service Medal) – of Renwick, for services to local government and historical research. A Marlborough District Councillor for nine years, Cynthia chaired the Small Townships Programme and Housing for Seniors sub-committees, leading several senior housing development projects. She was also key in supporting earthquake recovery efforts, restoring community spaces and preserving local history through extensive writing and editing.
• Richard Bull MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Mangawhai, for services to conservation and the community. A former Deputy Mayor for Kaipara District Council from 1992-2001, and a farmer and community leader for 56 years, Richard chaired the Mangawhai Domain Society and Library Hall Committee, overseeing key facilities like the sports pavilion, tennis courts and a primary school pool. He was also key in developing the Mangawhai Coastal and Harbour Reserves Management Plan.
• Leslie Clarke KSM (King’s Service Medal) – of Taihape, for services to the New Zealand Police and the community. A former three-term Taihape Community Board member and Rangitikei councillor for one term, Leslie has also served in the police force since 1972. He led the installation of CCTV cameras across several towns and addressed youth crime by creating a community work and fundraising scheme, alongside founding the Taihape Community Development Trust.
• Linda Cooper MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Auckland, for services to the community. A dedicated leader in Auckland governance for over 30 years, Linda has served on the Waitakere Community Board, Waitakere City Council for two terms pre-amalgamation, Waitakere Licensing Trust, and Auckland Council for three terms. She also contributed to health and community services as Chair of Waitakere Healthlink and Hospice West Auckland.
• Ross Dunlop JP MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Hawera, for services to local government. A former Mayor of South Taranaki, and a councillor for 21 years, Ross advocated for legislative changes benefiting the district, and was key in returning council properties to Ngā Ruahine and Taranaki Iwi.
• John Gallagher KNZM (Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Hamilton, for services to business, education, philanthropy and the community. A community leader and philanthropist, John served 25 years on the University of Waikato Council and as a councillor for both Hamilton City Council and Waikato Regional Council. Founder of the Glenice and John Gallagher Foundation, he continues to support education and community initiatives across New Zealand.
• Mike Gray KSM (King’s Service Medal) – of Greytown, for services to local government and the community. A South Wairarapa District Councillor for 12 years, including time as Deputy Mayor, Mike was key in establishing the New Zealand Certificate in Local Government Administration and in the amalgamation of Greytown, Martinborough and Featherston councils – leading to the creation of three enduring community boards.
• Oliver Newland ONZM (Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Auckland, for services to real estate and the community. A pioneering figure in New Zealand’s real estate industry since the 1960s, Oliver founded Landmark Corporation in 1981, enabling shareholders to benefit from commercial property investments. A former Auckland City Councillor and Justice of the Peace, he also co-founded the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
• Dr Taku Parai ONZM (Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Porirua, for services to Māori, governance and the community. A respected Ngāti Toa kaumatua, Dr Parai has served as mana whenua representative to Porirua City Council since 1999. Dr Parai has been instrumental in cultural leadership, including the renaming of Te Manawa in 2019 and ongoing work on the Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and Catchment Strategy, alongside being a long-time advisor for Tu Ora Compass Health.
• Marie Pearce KSM (King’s Service Medal) – of Inglewood, for services to local government and the community. A long-serving New Plymouth District Councillor and a member of the Inglewood Community Board since 2003, Marie led numerous community projects, including the restoration of the Inglewood Railway Station, the Windsor Walkway upgrade, and the creation of the Inglewood Community Mini Putt complex.
• Neville Phillips KSM (King’s Service Medal) – of Mataura, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ice sports. A dedicated volunteer for over 50 years, Neville has served with the Gore and Mataura Fire Brigades, including as Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Life Member of the Mataura Brigade. He also served on the Gore District Council and Mataura Community Board.
• Keith Trembath MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Paeroa, for services to the community, agriculture and education. Keith has had a long career in agricultural training, alongside being a director of Agriculture ITO, a Hauraki District Councillor and a Trustee of Waikato East Life Education Trust, raising nearly $1 million for local schools.
• Grahame Webber KSM (King’s Service Medal) – of Cambridge, for services to local government and farming governance. A former Waipā District Councillor (2001-2022) and Deputy Mayor (2010-2019), Grahame chaired key committees and fostered connections with rural communities through annual urban-rural tours, along with leading a number of sister city initiatives.

These local government staff members and appointees were also celebrated for their service:

• Albert Ihaka ONZM (Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Tauranga, for services to Māori and governance. Albert was recognised for his time as part of the Tauranga City Council Tangata Whenua Collective and Tauranga City Council Māori Relationship Unit.
• John Peters MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Levin, for services to governance and palliative care, John was acknowledged for his time as Independent Chair of Nelson City Council’s Audit Risk and Finance Committee, and its Strategic Development Committee.
• Tania Pouwhare MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Auckland, for services to Māori and Pacific Communities, and the environment. Tania served as General Manager for Auckland City Council’s The Southern Initiative (TSI) before co-founding Amotai, an organisation working with government, iwi and corporate sectors to provide procurement opportunities for Māori and Pacific businesses. She was also involved in establishing Randwick Park Residents Group’s Stepping Stones programme.
• Professor Peter Skelton KNZM (Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – of Christchurch, for services to environmental law. Peter was also recognised for his time as a commissioner on Environment Canterbury from 2010 until 2019.