Dr Gail Tipa, ONZM, of Dunedin, for services to Māori and environmental management
Dr Gail Tipa started her career with the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand and has contributed to retaining the character and biodiversity in the Waitaki and other catchments.
She has been part of working groups to develop and implement customary fisheries mechanisms and to develop restoration projects. She has managed her own consultancy for 25 years, focusing on environmental research and management.
She is a leading expert on improving the interface between indigenous cultures and environmental decision-making.
She has published widely and developed methodologies and tools to enhance indigenous participation in freshwater management.
She was a whanau member who worked on the Ngāi Tahu claim and settlement and has held governance roles within Ngāi Tahu organisations.
Dr Tipa was a member of the inaugural Bioheritage National Science Challenge Governance Group.