Ariana Simpson
Ariana Simpson, of Hamilton, received the Queen's Service Medal, for services to Maori and the community. Ms Simpson has more than 23 years' experience working with the Women's Refuge movement regionally and nationally. She is the secretary, foundation member and member of the management team of Te Whakaruruhau Maori Women’s Refuge. She is a strong advocate for social change around violence to women and their children. She has strong working relationships with iwi and has regional and national experience in developing partnerships between iwi and Maori service providers. Ms Simpson has held management roles with the Te Rau Aroha Papakainga Housing Trust Committee and is the co-opted cultural advisor for Hamilton Refuge and Support Services.