Mrs Sonia Wilson, of Rotorua, QSM for services to victim support and the community
Sonia Wilson worked for a non-government agency to provide support to vulnerable families in Rotorua. She held many roles, including kitchen hand, residential dormitory worker and health coordinator. She joined Oranga Tamariki as a care and protection social worker, eventually becoming a supervisor and then manager of the Rotorua Youth Justice team. She is currently Victim Support’s longest-serving volunteer, at 27 years. Mrs Wilson has specialised in supporting those bereaved by suicide, sudden death and homicide, and working with families who have children who are victims of, or have witnessed trauma or accidents.