Lesley Max
Dame Lesley Max, of Remuera, received the Insignia of Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children. Dame Lesley, pictured after the ceremony with family and friends, is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Great Potentials Foundation that helps underprivileged children and young people succeed in life. She developed the family service centre model and introduced the Home International Programme for Parents and Youngsters and the Mentoring and Tutoring Education Scheme. After strong advocacy from her for the establishment of a nationwide child abuse prevention programme, Family Start, was started. This organisation is now operating in some 20 locations around the country. She chairs the Parenting Council, is a founding member of the Brainwave Trust and is a member of the Family Service National Advisory Council.