Wiremu Nathan QSM
Wiremu (Bill) Nathan, of Kaitaia, received the Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community. Mr Nathan was instrumental in organising an archaeology project to research and rebury koiwi (human remains) in the Far North. Between 1998 and 2001 he assisted University of Auckland archaeologists to research koiwi that were being exposed by erosion at Ahipara Beach, and organised a unique ceremony to rebury them. Mr Nathan has been a member of the Far North Māori Battalion Committee for 28 years, including 12 years as President. He saw active service in Korea and Malaya. In 2007 Mr Nathan led a group of New Zealanders to Belgium for the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele, and in 2008 he led the Far North contingent to ANZAC Day ceremonies in Brisbane.