Dame Mabel June Hinekahukura Mariu
Dame Mabel June Hinekahukura Mariu, of Auckland, received the Insignia of a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori and the community. Since being made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2006, Dame June has continued to contribute actively to the welfare of Māori in the areas of youth, justice, education and support for women. Dame June, who had a long career in teaching, has devoted herself to her community, particularly supporting Māori women, and students struggling with mainstream education. She has recently been appointed as a lay advocate working in West Auckland with youth and their whānau appearing at the Rangatahi Court based at Hoani Waititi Marae. She is also the National Co-ordinator for Aotearoa Māori Netball, and is a trustee of the Māori Women’s Development Fund. Her roles have included National Co-ordinator of Te Hotu Manawa Māori (Māori Heartbeat), former President of the Māori Women’s Development Fund, Kaiwhakahaere of Te Atatu Tu Tangata Academy, a founder of Te Kotuku Marae, Chairperson of Te Whānau o Waiparera Trust, and member of the Treaty of Watangi Fisheries Commission. She has had a long involvement with the Māori Women’s Welfare League. She was National President from 1987 to 1990, and was also President for 15 years of the Te Atatu Branch and Regional Secretary for the Tāmaki Makaurau Region for two years. She has also been a national representative at softball, netball and indoor basketball and was team captain of the New Zealand Silver Ferns in 1960, and was later a Silver Ferns selector.