Mrs Helen Johnson, of Palmerston North, MNZM, for services to Special Olympics and the community
Helen Johnson has been a coach at three Special Olympics Summer World Games, one Asia Pacific Games and several Trans-Tasman events. She has led the Manawatu team at Special Olympics New Zealand Summer and Winter National Games. She helped organise the 2009 Special Olympics National Games. She has driven the inclusion of Special Olympics athletes in unified and mainstream events. She is a Parafed Manawatu Board member and has been National President of Parent to Parent, the support and information network for parents of children with disabilities. Mrs Johnson has held roles with school boards of trustees, Plunket, Enabling Good Lives Mid-Central Region, and the Palmerston North Street Van.