Mr Simon Challies, of Christchurch, MNZM, for services to people with neurological conditions
Simon Challies was Chief Executive of Ryman Healthcare until his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease aged 41. He helped establish the Canterbury Brain Collective Ltd (BrainTree), a charity supporting people living with neurological conditions, and is its Executive Director. He led a campaign to open the BrainTree Wellness Centre in Christchurch, offering innovative therapy and support. He co-founded Braveheart Christchurch, an enterprise which created three-minute videos sharing good news stories about Cantabrians. He was Director and Deputy Chair of Kilmarnock Enterprises Limited, a community initiative providing employment opportunities and support for those living with intellectual disabilities. Mr Challies is Director of Airborne Honey Limited and Nutrient Rescue New Zealand Ltd.