Libby Burgess, Auckland, MNZM
For services to women's health. Ms Burgess has devoted enormous time and effort to supporting and mentoring New Zealand women with breast cancer since being diagnosed with the disease in 1998. A scientist by profession, she became an expert on breast and other cancers, voluntarily working to improve knowledge and treatment. She was instrumental in creating ‘Step By Step,’ a resource kit for those living with breast cancer. Aware of the disparities in treatment and outcomes for Māori and Pacific women, Ms Burgess has actively recruited Māori and Pacific women into the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition, which she helped form in 2004.