Lewis Moeau, Wellington, QSO, for services to the State
Mr Lewis Moeau is currently the cultural advisor for the Office of the Prime Minister and Kaumatua for the Governor-General. Mr Moeau began his career at the Department of Māori Affairs in Gisborne from 1956 to 1970. He was cultural advisor for Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Māori Development in the periods 1992 to 1993 and 1997 to 2000. He was private secretary for the Minister of Māori Affairs from 1993 to 1997 and advisor for the Minister for Māori Affairs during 2000 to 2003 and 2007 to 2008. He was regional manager for Te Tira Ahu Iwi from 1989-1992 as well as holding positions as trustee of Pahou Marae, Chairman of Arai Matawai Land Inc and the Awapuni Moana Land Trust. He is an elder of Rongowhakaata Marae and was elected as chief negotiator of the Rongowhakaata Treaty Claims Negotiation Team in 2003. Mr Moeau took up the position of cultural advisor for the Office of the Prime Minister in 2009 and has continued to be heavily involved in various arenas as a cultural advisor and te reo Māori expert. He is Justice of the Peace and received the New Zealand Efficiency Decoration to recognise the completion of twelve years continuous and efficient military service.