Janet Colby, Auckland, QSM
For services to health. Ms Colby has worked to actively support those addicted to alcohol and other drugs for more than 29 years. In 1982 she was instrumental in beginning 12 step meetings in New Zealand to support those seeking recovery from active addiction. She also co-founded the Higher Ground Drug Rehabilitation Trust in Auckland in 1983 which operates as a therapeutic community, offering an 18-week residential programme for those seeking recovery from addiction to substances including alcohol. Ms Colby has been Chair of the Higher Ground Drug Rehabilitation Trust since 1998, and continues to work as a counsellor. Alongside this, she has been involved with the Auckland District Health Board Auckland’s Methadone Services for the past eleven years, and the Waitakere District Health Board’s Community Alcohol and Drug Services Inpatient Detoxification Unit.