Ms Nicola MacDonald, of Auckland, MNZM for services to the environment
Nicola MacDonald (Ngāti Wai, Te Rarawa, Taranaki) is a Tangata Whenua representative and Co-Chair on the Hauraki Gulf Forum. She spearheaded the world’s largest shellfish bed restoration. With the University of Auckland, she co-investigated mussel spat research, replacing plastic with natural fibre ropes. She chaired the Auckland Conservation Board. She is a member of Pou Tangaroa, the ocean conservation roopu within the National Iwi Chairs Forum. She has advocated conservation as Pou Taiao Chair of the Tāmaki Makaurau Mana Whenua Forum. As Chief Executive of Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, Ms MacDonald helped establish Te Au o Moana, an indigenous-led oceans programme of protection, restoration and monitoring.