Mr Hans Rook, MNZM, of Napier, for services to wildlife conservation
Hans Rook worked with the Wildlife Service and Department of Conservation for 42 years, until retiring, and has continued volunteering.
He spearheaded protection of whitebait spawning sites as a means of species recovery and has demonstrated the methodology in other districts.
He has played a key role in the Ahuriri Wetland Restoration Project to re-create habitat for the critically endangered matuku hurepo (Australasian bittern).
He has engaged with iwi in conservation efforts, particularly in the development of the New Zealand whale stranding network.
Mr Rook tutored in early trials of a Māori Youth in Conservation programme and has advised on techniques to preserve bird pelts and feathers for weavers.