Rupene Mare, Kaitaia, QSM
For services to Māori and the community. Mr Mare has dedicated himself to tackling Māori health issues by delivering exercise and education programmes that are tailored to Māori and have strong support networks. A former New Zealand Power Lifting champion, he has been involved in the health and fitness industry for more than 50 years. He opened the Ruebenz Gym in Kaitaia in 2005. Through the gym he provides a free programme for special needs people, including stroke and accident victims and those with diabetes. Mr Mare is also a tutor at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, teaching Te Arataki Manu Korero, and has established a support group for sufferers of Bi-polar Disorder, previously lacking in the Far North.