Reremoana Ngata and Puti Mackey
Reremoana Ngata, of Tikitiki (right), who received the Insignia of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and Puti Mackey, of Wellington (left), who received the Queen’s Service Medal, were two of a number of people who received New Zealand Honours for service to Maoridom on 4 April 2008. Mrs Ngata was honoured for contribution to the Tairawhiti community for more than 50 years, including her work as a kuia, trustee and committee member of Te Rahui Marae and Karuwai Marae and long-standing member of St Mary’s Church in Tikitiki. Mrs Mackey was honoured for her involvement in Maori performing arts and Maori education for more than 50 years as a member and performer of the Ngati Poneke Maori Club and the Wellington Maori Cultural Society.