The 2025 New Year Honours list celebrates Māori recipients whose work has profoundly impacted communities throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand.

This year's honours include a Dame Companion, a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and numerous others recognised for their significant contributions.

Ingrid Collins of Ngāti Porou has been named a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her extensive service to Māori, business, and health governance.

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka acknowledged her accomplishments.

"The name Ingrid Collins wields a deep wealth of mana (power/knowledge)," he said.

"Her knowledge of whenua (land) has been shaped by 50 years of governance with Whāngārā B5 and her leadership as Chair of the Whāngārā Farms partnership since its inception in 2006."

Whāngārā Farms won the premiere Māori farming award and was named the Ahuwhenua Māori Farm of the Year for Sheep and Beef in 2009.

"Dame Ingrid's contributions include advocating for Māori land matters at international forums like the United Nations Indigenous Forum and leading Whāngārā to become the first New Zealand beef farm in McDonald's flagship farmers' scheme in 2018," Minister Potaka said.

Dr Taku Parai of Ngāti Toa, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu, and Ngāti Tama has been recognised as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his dedication to Māori, governance, and the wider community.

"Dr Parai is a pillar of Porirua, dedicating over 50 years to his community, including representing mana whenua on the Porirua City Council since 1999," Minister Potaka said.

"His contributions extend to roles with organisations such as Women's Refuge, Porirua RSA, the Royal New Zealand Police College, and local schools."

Marama Royal of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her contributions to Māori and governance.

"Her earlier work included two decades with the Ministry of Justice and Courts and 18 years with Victim Support New Zealand," Minister Potaka said.

"More recently, Mrs Royal has guided Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in building strong partnerships with organisations such as Foundation North, SkyCity Auckland, the University of Auckland, Eden Park, and the Ministry of Pacific Peoples."

Linda Te Aho of Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta, and Waikato has also been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her work in Māori and legal education.

Minister Potaka commended her impact.

"Mrs Te Aho's influence extends across the Waikato, from teaching at the Te Piringa Faculty of Law, University of Waikato, to shaping a vision for the Waikato awa," he said.

Minister Potaka emphasised the collective impact of all 190 honourees, saying their efforts have enriched communities across Aotearoa and beyond.