Ms Arohanui Lawrence, of Hastings, QSM, for services to Māori and sustainable food production
Arohanui Lawrence is a key driver of the Aunty’s Garden initiative, a network of Māori and non-Māori sustainable food producers, and was instrumental in the establishment of Aunty’s Garden at Waipatu Marae.
Aunty’s Garden encompasses the sustainable development of Māori land in conjunction with the promotion of a Māori-based brand taking Māori produce and products to market. The online network of producers has aimed to lower entry costs to facilitate individual Māori entrepreneurs, or entrepreneurial collectives, to conduct business. Ms Lawrence has been a public face for the initiative, sharing recipes and knowledge, and promoting community food initiatives.