Dame Cindy and Mrs Michelle Grant, QSO for services to victims of sexual violence
Mrs Michelle Grant, of Gisborne, QSO for services to victims of sexual violence
Michelle Grant has worked for Whānau Ahuru Mowai O Turanganui A Kiwa (Gisborne Rape Crisis) for 25 years, supporting those affected by sexual violence. She began as a volunteer and has been Coordinator since 2009. She developed and helped to implement the ‘He Au Raukati’ suicide youth prevention programme. After identifying an emerging need, she developed programmes and counselling for men. She developed and implemented the Te Tiriti O Waitangi workshop into the National Rape Crisis Training Manual. She has helped her local Rape Crisis become a fully Kaupapa Māori organisation and is part of the Kaupapa Māori Sexual Violence steering group. Mrs Grant serves on the governance group and as treasurer of the national collective, and was part of the National Sexual Violence steering group.