PHOTO: NINA TAPUBeing made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit weighs heavily for Gail Thompson (Ngāi Tahu). She stands on the shoulders of tūpuna (ancestors) who have provided her with years of guidance. ‘‘The mahi that we do in the environmental space is about maintaining relationships. ‘‘It takes a village; without the mentoring and guidance of others we couldn’t do this.’’The 66-year-old has been a leader, advocate and mentor for Ngāi Tahu whānui and in conservation. As a founding member of Guardians of Fiordland Fisheries in 1997, she initiated work that enabled the establishment of several marine protected areas.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 30, 2025 15:35 UTC