Ms Kāren Johansen, of Gisborne, MNZM for services to education and human rights
Ms Kāren Johansen (Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahāki, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri) was a teacher and Principal of Gisborne Girls’ High School. She sat on the Tairawhiti Polytechnic Board, the national Education Review Office Advisory Council, the Ministry of Education Planning and Reporting Working Party, the REAP Aotearoa National Board, and the Tūranga Tangata Rite School Establishment Board. She mentored in the First Time Principals programme. While a Human Rights Commissioner, she increased understanding of the human rights dimensions of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. She has supported the Tairāwhiti Rainbow Collective, Waimatā River Catchment Group, and Tairāwhiti Voyaging Trust. Ms Johansen is Patron of the Gisborne Justices of the Peace Association.