Maera Maki-Anderson, of Murupara, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Maera Maki-Anderson is Chief Fire Officer of the Murupara Volunteer Fire Brigade, having previously been involved with Murupara St John ambulance service. As Chief Fire Officer, she has helped the brigade maintain its functionality and overseen training for new members. When she learned that the neighbouring Kaingaroa Volunteer Fire Brigade was faced with closure, she managed a recruitment drive and rallied the community. She arranged training for the recruits and ran extra sessions in her spare time. After recovering from a brain aneurysm in 2016 and receiving medical clearance, Mrs Maki-Anderson returned straight to her role as Chief Fire Officer.