Irene Barnes, Manapouri, QSM
For services to the community. Mrs Barnes has volunteered for organisations and groups dedicated to improving the arts, health, education, tourism, and the environment in Fiordland for the last 46 years. Mrs Barnes has been involved in the Fiordland Athletic Club for more than 30 years and in 2004 became patron. The status of Ambassador was bestowed on her in recognition of her volunteer work with the Kepler Challenge Mountain Run for 23 years. Mrs Barnes was one of the founding members of the Guardians of Fiordland Fisheries and Marine Environment, with her work culminating in the passing of the Fiordland Marine Conservation Act in 2005. For 37 years she has been involved in the education system in many capacities from teacher’s aide to Chair of the Parent Teacher Association. She has been part of the Manapouri and Te Anau local governments for 46 years. Mrs Barnes received the Green Ribbon Award from the Ministry for the Environment in June 2005.