Mrs Akinihi Smith, of Kaitaia, MNZM, for services to Māori and the Anglican Church
Akinihi Smith (Ngāti Kuri, Te Aupōuri, Ngāi Takoto, Ngāti Kahu, Te Paatu, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu) is a revered kuia of Ngāi Takoto, Ngāti Kuri and Te Paatu and a senior elder of several Far North marae. She has served the community of St Joseph’s Māori Anglican Church in Awanui. She has been involved with kohanga reo and kura kaupapa, youth and sports groups. She was a senior member of the Auckland Anglican Māori Mission. She has represented her pastorate at every gathering of the Hui Amorangi, the Māori Anglican Diocesan Synod, since 1963. Mrs Smith is an active member of the Mother’s Union.