‘Pivotal’ Māori leader Tipene O’Regan made member of Order of New Zealand

Champion of Mori rights honoured by Queen for life of work dedicated to improving economic, cultural and social standing of Mori communities'

A Mori leader, educator and historian who has dedicated his life to the betterment of Mori and was instrumental in developing Mori fishing interests has been awarded New Zealand's highest honour.

T (Sir) Tipene O'Regan, 83, has been made a member of the Order of New Zealand as part of the Queen's birthday honours list. O'Regan was awarded the distinction alongside Dame Silvia Cartwright, a former governor general and the first woman in New Zealand to become a high court judge.