The Honourable Ruth Dyson, of Christchurch, QSO, for services as a Member of Parliament and to people with disabilities
The Honourable Ruth Dyson held several ministerial roles with the Fifth and Sixth Labour Governments and was Member of Parliament for Lyttelton, Banks Peninsula, and Port Hills. As the first Minister for Disability Issues, she championed reform of the disability support system, promoted inclusivity in employment and education, and provided leadership through changes to ACC legislation. She played a key role in the recognition of New Zealand Sign Language as an official language. She supported the Government’s involvement in negotiations at the United Nations on a new Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She championed the creation of the Disabled People’s Organisations as an advisory committee to government agencies. Following the Canterbury earthquakes, Ms Dyson supported her electorate, the greater Christchurch rebuild and the Earthquake Disability Leadership Group.