Linda Surtees, of Lower Hutt, MNZM, for services to children and the State
Linda Surtees is CEO of Fostering Kids New Zealand, which, under her guidance, has increased its membership of caregivers from 2,400 to more than 5,000. She was a member of the Ministerial Reference Group that established the Extraordinary Care Package for children in Permanent or Whanau Care, and continues as Chair of the Extraordinary Care Fund Panel. Mrs Surtees contributed her knowledge to the Expert Advisory Panel modernising Child, Youth and Family, and was part of a cross-sector group of practitioners with expertise in working with children and families. Ms Surtees has been involved in developing the new National Care Standards and in running information-sharing sessions for caregivers nationwide.