Seven Massey University graduates are among recipients of this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.
Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to psychiatry and Māori. She has strongly advocated for greater awareness of Māori cultural needs in the health sector. Dr Elder graduated with a PhD (Arts) in 2012 and extended the work of her doctorate when she received a Health Research Council Eru Pomare Post-Doctoral Fellowship in 2014.
The highest award went to Patricia Seymour of Gisborne, who received the Queen’s Service Order for services to local government and the community.
Miss Seymour (Graduate Diploma Business Studies, 1998) was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1995 for her services to the family and the community. She has been a Gisborne District councillor for six terms and chaired the Tairawhiti Area Health Board from 1998 to 2000. She is currently chair of the War Memorial Theatre Trust and the Lawson Field Theatre.
Other recipients were:Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
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Dr Andrea Wilson (Bachelor of Veterinary Science 1992), of Paraparaumu, for services to wildlife conservation.
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Nicola Williams (Master of Business Administration 1994, Diploma in Agriculture 1980), of Taupo, for services to arts governance.
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Philippa Wright (Diploma in Wool and Wool Technology 1980), of Clive, for services to the wool industry and sustainability.
Queen's Service Medal (QSM)
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Martyn Norrie (Master of Business Administration 1994), of Rotorua, for services to the community
Companion of the Queen's Service Order (QSO)
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Deborah Martin (Bachelor of Arts 1995), of Nelson, for services to conservation.