Ms Marie Lindaya, of Nelson, ONZM for services to multicultural communities
Ms Marie Lindaya co-founded Multicultural Nelson Tasman (MNT, formerly Nelson Multi-Ethnic Council), supporting migrant and former refugee communities. She is Deputy Chairperson, previously serving as Chairperson and Treasurer. She organised Nelson’s first multicultural get-togethers, paving the way to the annual large-scale Multicultural Festival. She was New Zealand Red Cross Area (Regional) Council Chairperson and remains an Area Councillor and Nelson Branch Treasurer. Her community governance Board involvement includes Nelson Budget Advice, Nelson Bays Community Law, InterFaith Council Nelson-Tasman, Volunteer Nelson as Deputy Chair then Secretary, Te Whatu Ora Health Consumer Council, National Council of Women and Nelson Women’s Club member, and the New Zealand-Chinese Friendship Association. She was National Secretary for Multicultural New Zealand. Ms Lindaya has been involved with Speak Out Nelson Tasman, an anti-racism and allyship reporting system.