Dr James Milroy, CNZM, Hamilton.
For services to Māori language. Dr James Milroy is a highly respected kaumātua of Tūhoe, and a former Professor of Māori at the University of Waikato. He is one of the most accomplished exponents of the art of whaikorero or Māori oratory, and has sought to revitalise and regenerate Te Reo and tikanga Māori. He has a deep knowledge of dialectical differences, the nature of Māori humour, Māori spirituality, the importance of whakapapa, and the concept of mana and Māori whaikōrero. In 2008 the 'New Zealand Listener' listed him as one of the top five influential people in their 'Power List for Māoridom'. He has been a member of the Waitangi Tribunal since 1998. He is a member of the Mahi Tahi Trust, which is involved in the rehabilitation of prisoners and the Tuhono Trust, which was established to assist Māori to reconnect with their iwi. He is a member of the Te Kōhanga reo National Trust Board. In 2003 he was made a companion of the Queen's Service Order. Dr Milroy received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Waikato in 2005, in recognition of contribution to the university and the nation, through his commitment to the revitalisation and regeneration of Te Reo and tikanga Māori.