Hone Waititi
Major (Rtd) Hone Waititi, of Opotiki, received the Insignia of a Companion of the Queen's Service Order at an investiture ceremony on 31 March 2009 for services to the community. Major Waititi has been involved in his local community for more than 30 years. He was a member of the 28th Māori Battalion in World War Two and is the only surviving company commander. He has worked to develop employment opportunities in the community to retain young people and families in the region. He was the chairperson of Te Kaha Cooperative Dairy Company and was involved with the Horouta Cooperative Company. He is the founding trustee of several land trusts, including Te Arawhata Trust and has been involved with his local church for all this time.