Kerry Prendergast, Wellington, CNZM
For services to local body affairs. Ms Prendergast was Mayor of Wellington for nine years to 2010, and served as the Deputy Mayor from 1995 to 2001. As Mayor, she encouraged the development of Wellington as New Zealand's arts, culture and creative capital. She has been notable for instigating the installation of many local artworks around the city and advocating for the refurbishment of the council’s housing stock. She was a Tawa Borough Councillor and a Wellington City Councillor before becoming Mayor. She was the Chair of the Wellington Mayoral Forum from 2001 to 2007 and the Vice President of Local Government New Zealand. She has been the patron of many organisations, including the Tawa Historical Society, Parent Help, Netball Wellington, and the Wellington-Xiamen Association. She is an honorary life member of Plunket and the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace Society. Ms Prendergast is a trustee and executive chair of the New Zealand Arts Festival, and the Wellington Jazz and Music Festival Trust.