Mr Leith Comer, of Rotorua, CNZM for services to Māori, governance and education
Mr Leith Comer (Te Arawa – Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, Ngāti Pāhauwera) was appointed a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order in 2018 for his service to Māori, the State, and local government. As Chair of Ngāti Rangitihi, he led negotiations culminating in their Treaty Settlement and became Chair of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group.
He was a Trustee of the Fallen Heroes Trust and Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Board. He has been a member of Te Arawa Returned Services League, Te Arawa Wallaby Kahui, Rotorua Area Primary Health Services Board, Te Arawa Emergency Housing initiative, New Zealand Parole Board, Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive’s Complaints Panel, and Rotorua Golf Club.
As a Community Adviser, Mr Comer is guiding the re-establishment of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.