Ruth Pretty, of Te Horo
Ruth Pretty, of Te Horo, received the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the food industry. Mrs Pretty is a chef who has contributed to the New Zealand food industry for 20 years. She started Ruth Pretty Catering, which caters for weddings and events, including significant events such as The Lord of the Rings film launches. She writes about food for The Dominion Post and Cuisine Magazine, and has published numerous cookbooks. She promotes New Zealand food, wine, and produce at international food fairs for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and producer boards. She supports the Wellington City Mission, fundraises for schools and churches, and provided food for the Te Horo Fire Brigade as it worked during a major flood. In 2005 Mrs Pretty was inducted into the New Zealand Restaurant Association’s Chefs Hall of fame.