Neillie Paratene

Nellie Paratene, of Masterton, received the Queen's Service Medal on 25 March 2009 for services to the community.  Mrs Paratene has been involved in the Masterton community for more than 30 years.  She is a Māori warden and has been involved with the Wairarapa Māori Wardens' Association.  She was the foundation chairperson of Cameron Community House for many years and a foundation member of the Te Kaunihere Kaumatua O Wairarapa Council.  Mrs Paratene has also been involved with a number of other community organisations, including the Hiona Sports and Cultural Club, the Māori Women's Welfare League, and the Masterton Morehu Komiti Whaiti.