Hinekakaho Averill Manuel-Kohn's resolute dedication to her community has seen her gain a Queen's Service Medal, albeit somewhat reluctantly.
The Wairoa woman, known as Hine, made the 2018 New Year Honours list for her services to the community and Maori.
After pouring thousands of hours into the lives of those around her, she said she was surprised when she found out about the award.
"I wasn't expecting it. I did [the work] because I wanted to do it, not because of a medal."
Throughout the past three decades Mrs Manuel-Kohn established and developed a range of initiatives in Wairoa covering justice, community advocacy, iwi Maori development and social service delivery.