Mr Russel Trow and Ms Tee Trow, of Bluff, KSM for services to wildlife conservation
Mr Russel Trow (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Hapu Rakiura) and Ms Tee Trow, have helped to restore and protect native biodiversity in the Tītī Island group around Rakiura. They spearheaded the removal of weka, who threatened local taonga species populations. They have been instrumental in community efforts to make the islands rat-free. Their bird transfer programme has seen Kundy Island become a vital source for repopulating other islands. They conducted pioneering genetic mixing of tīeke populations between islands. Mr and Ms Trow’s collaborative way of working influenced the return of former Crown Tītī Islands to iwi management.