Laurence Gordon, of Kaitaia, MNZM for services to wildlife conservation
Laurence Gordon initiated the kōkako recovery project in the Mangatutu Ecological Area, Northern Pureora, which has seen an increase in North Island Kōkako from seven pairs in 1995 to 185 pairs in 2016. His predator control has also seen an increase in many other native birds, including kākā, kākāriki, kererū, rifleman, kārearea, and North Island robin. He set up the first large-scale predator control programme on the Russell Pensinula allowing for the reintroduction of North Island weka, and a successful predator control programme at Purerua Peninsula, saving decimated pōhutukawa and protecting North Island brown kiwi. Mr Gordon was previously a Trustee of the New Zealand Native Forest Restoration Trust.