Robert Tukiri
Robert Tukiri, of Huntly, received the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community. Mr Tukiri has been involved in the Huntly community in many capacities for more than 40 years. He has been a member of the Huntly Community Board for more than 35 years. He formed the Huntly Māori Wardens, with whom he has been involved with for more than 30 years. He is also a foundation member of the Huntly branch of Maatua Whangai, which looks after youth in the area. He was involved with the Hillary Commission, the Taniwharau Sports Club and the Huntly CCS. He was the first Māori Commissioner of the New Zealand Rugby Football League and has been involved with New Zealand Māori Rugby League for more than 30 years, including 15 years as Chairman. Mr Tukiri was responsible for forming the Te Tohu Whakaaro Taakaro O Aotearoa Māori Sports Awards and received the Waikato Sportsperson of the Year and the Trust Waikato Outstanding Lifetime Contribution Award in 1996.