Charlene Williams
Charlene Williams, of Waikanae, received the Queen's Service Medal for services to nursing. Mrs Williams has contributed for more than 50 years to nursing. She helped establish Ora Toa Health Services under Te Rununga o Toa Rangitira in Porirua and Wellington, which focuses on helping Māori access affordable and comprehensive healthcare. This service, which has been operating successfully for 20 years, contributes to the Capital and Coast District Health Board’s Māori Health Action Plan. She supported the development of Mana Wahine, an organisation that works to promote cervical and breast screening to Māori women. Mrs Williams has helped develop standards of practice for health clinics, training programmes, supported workforce development, and provided support to Māori women entering the workforce.