Barry Finch, New Plymouth, QSM
For services to the community. From 2002 to 2007 Mr Finch served on the New Plymouth District Council, holding many executive positions, including chairing the Len Lye Foundation, and the solid waste management committee. He was Chair of Education Taranaki and encouraged all education providers to work together to maximise opportunities for young people. He is Deputy Chair of the Taranaki Community Health Trust, which he helped establish. Mr Finch was Principal of Spotswood College for 16 years. He was renowned for his consistent work to support students in achieving their potential. Under his leadership the school built a school-based marae, which helped to forge close links with the Ngāti te Whiti hapū, and a special needs facility, which was the largest in the country when it was built in 1990.