Māori Honours Recipients in 2025 Celebrate Dedication to Community and Leadership Across Aotearoa

Ingrid Collins of Ngāti Porou has been made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her unparalleled contributions to Māori, business, and health governance.

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has celebrated the 2025 New Year Honours list, highlighting the profound impact of Māori recipients on communities throughout Aotearoa. The list, which features a Dame Companion and a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit alongside dozens of other distinguished individuals, exemplifies outstanding dedication to service, leadership, and cultural preservation.

Recognising Excellence Among Māori Leaders

Ingrid Collins of Ngāti Porou has been made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her unparalleled contributions to Māori, business, and health governance. Dame Ingrid’s influence spans decades, particularly through her governance of Whāngārā B5 over 50 years and her leadership as Chair of Whāngārā Farms since 2006.

“Her name carries immense mana,” says Minister Potaka. “Dame Ingrid has represented Māori land interests on global stages, including the United Nations Indigenous Forum. Her mahi has set benchmarks, such as leading Whāngārā Farms to win the Ahuwhenua Māori Farm of the Year for Sheep and Beef in 2009 and becoming New Zealand’s first beef farm to join McDonald’s flagship farmers’ scheme in 2018.”

Dr. Taku Parai of Ngāti Toa, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu, and Ngāti Tama has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his dedication to Māori, governance, and community service. A central figure in Porirua for more than half a century, Dr. Parai has served as a mana whenua representative to Porirua City Council since 1999.

“Dr. Parai is a true pou for the Porirua community,” says Potaka. “His extensive service includes advisory roles with local organisations such as Women’s Refuge, Porirua RSA, the Royal New Zealand Police College, and various schools, alongside his commitment to iwi leadership.”

Marama Royal of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her significant contributions to Māori and governance. She has a long history of advocacy, including 20 years with the Ministry of Justice and Courts and 18 years with Victim Support New Zealand.

“Mrs. Royal has guided Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in forming vital partnerships with organisations such as Foundation North, SkyCity Auckland, the University of Auckland, and Eden Park,” Minister Potaka noted.

Linda Te Aho of Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta, and Waikato also received the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her work in Māori advocacy and legal education. A key figure in the Waikato region, she has played an instrumental role at Te Piringa Faculty of Law and in shaping visions for the Waikato River.

A Wider Celebration of Achievement

These honourees are among 190 individuals acknowledged in this year’s Honours list, reflecting diverse contributions to communities across Aotearoa and beyond.

“The mahi of these remarkable individuals inspires not just Māori but all New Zealanders,” Minister Potaka concluded. “Their service leaves an enduring legacy that benefits communities far and wide.”

The Honours list demonstrates the breadth of talent and dedication across the motu, celebrating achievements that uplift communities and pave the way for future generations.