2021 New Year Honours list recognises Waikato achievements

Professor Pou Temara, Mark Bowden, John McIntosh and Mike Sutton

Professor Temara retired from the University at the end of 2020 following more than 15 years as a Professor in Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao, the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies. He also acted as the Senior Advisor to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori for four years during this time.

Professor Temara was recognised for his contribution to the Māori language, Māori customary practices and Māori performing arts.

Alumnus and educator Mark Bowden has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education.

Mr Bowden, who graduated with a Master of Education in 1994, has had a successful career spanning 40 years as an educator in the Taranaki region, spending 16 years as the principal of two large secondary schools.

Mr Bowden has been involved in writing the New Zealand Curriculum, was instrumental in making changes to Outdoor Education policies and procedures, has sat on several boards supporting young people in the region, and continues to mentor principals on behalf of the Ministry of Education.

Waikato disability advocate John McIntosh has been recognised with a New Zealand Order of Merit for services to people with disabilities. He graduated from the University of Waikato with a Graduate Diploma in Management Studies in 1998.

His career has been focused on raising awareness of disability and ageing issues. Mr McIntosh co-founded and was inaugural chair of Progress to Health, a charitable trust for mental health clients, and is a committee member of Age Friendly Hamilton. He was also involved in pioneering individualised funding for people with disabilities, allowing them to determine their own support needs.

Educator Michael Sutton has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching and Master of Educational Leadership and has had a successful career in the education sector. He has been the principal of six New Zealand primary schools.

Mr Sutton has been instrumental in his roles as principal to ensure all ethnic groups within the school community were equally represented. He has mentored staff and fellow principals in education leadership over the years.

Yvonne Boyes

Yvonne Boyes JP has been awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for services to health, in particular nursing and cancer treatment. She graduated with a Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies (Health Management) in 2004.

Mrs Boyes has been on the Bay of Plenty District Health Board for two decades and has dedicated her time to working with community organisations who focus on cancer patients and rural health.