Mrs Pat Tondi, QSM, of Tauranga, for services to the Italian community and language education
Pat Tondi initiated the Amici D’Italia (Friends of Italy) club in Hawke’s Bay and continues as patron. She has sought out opportunities to impart knowledge of Italian language and culture. She lived in Naples for 13 years before returning to New Zealand and establishing Italian-language night classes for adults, first at Tamatea High School and later from her home. She helped bring the Italian Film Festival to Hawke’s Bay. She has run Amici D’Italia’s library of Italian films and has led two club trips to Italy. She has assisted Italian families and individuals visiting or settling in New Zealand.