Peter Tennent, New Plymouth, QSO
For services to local body affairs. As Mayor of New Plymouth for nine years, Mr Tennent has contributed to its recognition as the best city of its size in the world in the prestigious United Nations-backed International Awards for Liveable Communities in 2008. Before stepping aside as Mayor in 2010, he was a part of the rejuvenation of New Plymouth. He worked with many parties to find solutions to issues that had their genesis in the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s. His leadership led to New Plymouth to become an attractive international venue, hosting Sir Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, the WOMAD music festival, All Black test matches and the Women’s World Surfing Championship Tour.