Ms Pam Hanna, of Lower Hutt, MNZM for services to the community and early childhood education
Pam Hanna was National President of the New Zealand Playcentre Federation and was appointed inaugural Chief Executive of the Early Childhood Development Unit. Under her leadership, the unit supported centres to serve diverse communities and provided professional learning and development for practitioners. She authored the book ‘Thinking Together: Quality Adult-Child Interactions’, which continues to be used as a resource for early education practitioners. She has been involved with Lower Hutt community initiatives, revitalising the Petone Planning Action Group and Petone Rotary Fair. As Chair of the Petone Community Board, Ms Hanna advocated for the redevelopment of Petone wharf and library and raised awareness of historic buildings and precincts.