Mrs Teurukura Kekena, of Porirua, QSM, for services to the Cook Islands and Pacific communities
Teurukura Kekena has been involved with the Cook Islands community since migrating to New Zealand in the 1970s. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Pacific Islands Presbyterian Church in Newtown, Wellington, before settling in Porirua and launching the Porirua Pacific Islands Presbyterian Church. She became the Church’s session clerk and serves as the ‘Maine Akatere Au’ or Church Leader. She helped establish the Porirua Cook Islands Association, where she serves as President. With the Association, Mrs Kekena helped with the establishment of the Te Akapuanga Kuki Airani Hall, which hosts community gatherings for Pacific communities in Wellington.