Leslie Hutchins OBE JP of Queenstown was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to conservation and tourism. Les spearheaded the Save Manapouri campaign in the 1960's and for 26 years was on the Guardians of the Lakes group, which advises on the mangement of the southern lakes. He was on the National Parks Authority and was a founding patron of the New Zealand National Parks and Conservation Foundation. Amongst his numerous contributions to tourism in Southland was his pivotal role in the establishment of the Fiordland Museum in Te Anau.

Les' wife Olive says that his involvement in the Presbyterian Church has always been low key but he has regularly attended services for at least 53 years.

Mrs Ana Gillet JP of Invercargill was honoured with the Queens Service Medal for Public Services. The honour was an acknowledgment of her work with families and young people in Invercargill where she is on a Care and Protection Panel for Child Youth and Family Services. She is involved in helping Cook Island and Samoan families and is an official interpreter for the courts. She also worked hard for the Invercargill Cook Islanders Church helping the young people to know their culture and understand what the church is all about.