Queen's Birthday Honours: Robert McGowan recognised for Māori and conservation passion

Mr Robert McGowan, QSM, of Tauranga, for services to Māori and conservation

Mr Robert McGowan is involved with Ngā Whenua Rahui, a contestable Ministerial fund established to fund the protection of indigenous ecosystems on Māori land.

He is an authority on rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine) and has helped to restore the practice in New Zealand. He is a co-initiator and trustee of Tane’s Tree Trust, which encourages landowners to sustainably plant and manage indigenous trees.

He was the founding Chair of the Kaimai-Mamaku Catchments Forum. He is a member and past Chairman of the Bay of Plenty Conservation Board.

Mr McGowan runs a nursery to support the local Waitao Landcare Group