Mr Francis Helps and Mrs Shireen Helps, MNZM, of Akaroa, for services to wildlife conservation
Francis and Shireen Helps have worked to protect and enhance the biodiversity values of 32 hectares of their property at Pohatu Flea Bay, adjacent to the Pohatu Marine Reserve.
They have protected a significant population of kororā (little penguins) and the few remaining hoiho (yellow eyed penguins) on Banks Peninsula. Over many years, they have stabilised the penguin colony at Pohatu, which now has 1,260 breeding pairs.
Revenue from their Pohatu Penguins business, which offers tours, kayaking and accommodation, goes towards conservation and education.
The Helps have donated two scenic reserves to the Crown and have five covenants with QEII National Trust and Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust.