Maria Larsen, of Dargaville
Maria Larsen received the Queen's Service Medal for services to Māori and the community. Mrs Larsen joined the Māori Women’s Welfare League in 1978 and is currently the Vice-President of the Dargaville Branch, and President of Te Tai Tokerau Regional Council. In 2008 she received the He Wahine Pumanawa Award. She has worked with a number of community organisations in Te Tai Tokerau on a voluntary basis, including Te Houhanga Marae, Dargaville Maori Committee, Kaipara Maori Wardens Committee, Lions, Te Arohanui Community Centre Trust, Kaipara Victim Support, and Kaipara Abuse Prevention. She was also a Ministerial appointee on the Community Organisation Grants Scheme. In 2000 she received the Kaipara District Council Citizens Award. Mrs Larsen is a counsellor with the Rape Crisis Phone Line, and is currently involved in the Marae Restorative Justice Programme for Youth.