Ngarau Tarawa

Ngarau Tarawa, of Taumarunui, received the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and community education.  She is the founder and chief executive of Te Waka Pu Whenua; the Māori Adult and Community Education Centre.  She has also been involved with many adult education organisations, including as an executive member of the National REAP Association and as a panel member of Community Learning Aotearoa New Zealand.  She set up the Nga Kaumātua o Te Mauri Atawhai community networks; a monthly hui where representatives from key community organisations meet.  Mrs Tarawa also established the Taumarunui Hospital Whānau Room and has been involved in raranga harakeke (flax weaving) programmes