Mr Barry de Geest, KSO, of Papakura, for services to disabled people
Barry de Geest is New Zealand’s oldest Thalidomide survivor, born with severe physical impairments. He co-founded the Renaissance Group to provide a safe space for disabled people to learn how to budget, cook, live independently, and find employment. It has become one of the country’s largest supported independent living providers. He chairs the Kaikaranga Holdings Board, which coordinates services for people with disabilities and their whānau. He is Co-Chair of Auckland Council’s Disability Advisory Panel and a member of the Transformation Management Board with the Ministry of Disabled People. Mr de Geest was Disability Advisor to the Health Advisory Committee Secretariat and Ministry of Health, Chief Executive of the Manawatū CCS Disability Action branch and Wellington Disability Resource Centre, and Chairperson of the New Zealand Powerchair Football Association.