James Higgins
James Higgins, of Christchurch, received The Queen's Service Medal for services to community health. Mr Higgins has been a nurse working in the area of mental health for 40 years. He established the Marlborough Adult Mental Health Team in Blenheim in 1990. He was instrumental in establishing the day-hospital at Marama House in Blenheim, which enables patients to receive treatment close to their homes. He has advocated for mental health resources for the Marlborough community. Mr Higgins has been the clinical manager with the early intervention in psychosis team at Totara House (Canterbury District Health Board’s mental health division) in Christchurch for many years.