Erica Stanford Commends Education Leaders in King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List

“This year’s King’s Birthday Honours recognizes the commitment, dedication, and passion that those who have been honored have shown,” Ms. Stanford remarked.

Minister of Education Erica Stanford has recognized the outstanding achievements of those honored in the King's Birthday 2024 Honours List, with a special nod to those celebrated for their contributions to education.

"This year's King's Birthday Honours recognizes the commitment, dedication, and passion that those who have been honored have shown," Ms. Stanford remarked.

Honorees include leaders in Te Reo Māori in Kohanga Reo, early childhood education, and individuals who have exhibited exceptional leadership within their communities.

Among the distinguished recipients is Mrs. Tere Gilbert (Ngāti Kahungunu Te Ati Awa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Hauiti), who received the New Zealand Order of Merit for her three decades of work in normalizing the teaching of Te Reo Māori in early childhood education and her involvement in Kohanga Reo.

Lorraine Mentz has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her contributions to education and philanthropy. Ms. Mentz co-founded and served as Chief Executive of the Springboard Trust for 13 years, working to transform schools through strategic leadership and collaboration between the education, private, public, and philanthropic sectors.

Leitualaalemalietoa Pavihi was honored as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her pioneering efforts in establishing the first Niue bilingual unit at Favona School, Auckland, in 2021. Ms. Pavihi has also contributed to the Nui community through translation and peer review, hosting a weekly radio show, and serving as a trustee for the Pasifika Festival at Tataki School.

Peter McNeur received the King's Service Medal for his services to education and the community. Mr. McNeur was a member of the National Executive of the Rural Education and Activities Programme (REAP) and served as Director of REAP Wairarapa from 1992 to 2023. He initiated the Computers in Homes digital literacy project in 2011, helping families in Wairarapa gain access to digital technology.

"I want to thank today's recipients of awards and all those across the education sector for the work that they do," Ms. Stanford expressed.

"Since becoming Minister of Education, I have been privileged to see just how passionate our educators are, and I want to acknowledge the difference they make in the lives of the children, teachers, and the communities they work with. Education changes lives, and the impact these people have undoubtedly had needs to be acknowledged and celebrated."