Rosalie Sampson

Rosalie Sampson, Karamea, received the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to conservation and the community. She has been a Buller District Councillor since 1989 and is the deputy mayor.  She has been a member of the Karamea Medical Association Trust for 25 years; driving recruitment processes to attract doctors to the area.  She was a member of the Nelson-Marlborough Conservation Board, where she was a key player in the consultations over the formation of the Kahurangi National Park.  She was instrumental in co-establishing the Oparara Valley Project Trust and is the chairman.  Under her leadership, the trust secured sponsorships and grants to invest in tourism opportunities for the park and has successfully completed key projects, such as the restoration of the Fenian Historic Track and the mountain bike track.  Mrs Sampson is a member and treasurer of the Karamea Information and Resource Centre and is the project manager for the refurbishment of the centre.  Mrs Sampson was a member of the Karamea Arts Council.