Mrs Christine Panapa, of Auckland, ONZM for services to Māori
Christine Panapa (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Tahu, Ngāti Whaoa, Ngāti Pikiao) is Chairperson of Te Mahurehure Cultural Marae Society Inc. She has supported Māori housing, economic development and education as a director of Te Kainga Atawhai, a subsidiary of Te Mahurehure Marae. Te Kainga Atawhai has completed a number of capital works projects, including Te Taumata O Kupe complex at Te Mahurehure Marae, dedicated to research and teaching of Māori navigational and exploration traditions. She also helped Te Kainga Atawhai complete a 14-unit housing complex at the marae in partnership with Kainga Ora and Te Puni Kōkiri. Mrs Panapa was previously President of New Zealand Women’s Rugby League, Chairperson of Kiwi Ferns Rugby League, and Tāmaki Makaurau Treasurer for the Labour Party.