Tony Kokshoorn, of Greymouth, ONZM, for services to local government and the community
Tony Kokshoorn served as a Grey District Councillor before becoming Mayor in 2004. He has provided leadership at times of considerable difficulty on the West Coast, including following the Pike River Mine disaster, the closure of the Spring Creek Mine, and a tornado that caused major destruction. He was the face of the West Coast community in media coverage of the Pike River Mine disaster and has worked alongside the families of the 29 trapped men and contributed to a plan to re-enter the mine. He has held many chair and patron roles within the community and has worked on projects to promote local tourism. Mr Kokshoorn has helped raise more than $30 million for West Coast charities, often at his own expense in travel time and resources.