Mrs Helen Tuhoro, MNZM, of Kawerau, for services to education
Helen Tuhoro was Deputy Principal of Trident High School in Whakatane.
She then became founding Principal of Tarawera High School, built on the grounds of the former Kawerau College.
She led the redesign of the school’s curriculum and teaching models, introduced free meals, and drove a building project to replace two-thirds of the old school building.
She incorporated a Teen Parenting Education Centre, Specialist Learning Centre, and Defence Academy.
In 2019, more than 86 percent of year 11 to 13 students were passing their NCEA Levels, compared with less than 40 percent in 2013.
Mrs Tuhoro was appointed to the Ministry of Education’s Equity Index Sector Reference Group.