Olivia James has been a familiar face and tireless worker around Otara and South Auckland for many years, more than 30 years it is reported. The announcement of a QSM in the 2010 New Year Honours list for services to the community is very well deserved.
Diabetes Projects Trust experience with Olivia has been as a long term Board member, she resigned from role in 2005. On the Board, Olivia shared her deep understanding of the things that are important to local people and made valuable connections between the important aspects of health and community. Well known for her amazing networking skills Olivia was actively involved working with multiple local organisations, helping set up structures where needed, and providing governance on the boards of a number of other community organisations including City of Manukau Education Trusts and the Otara Economic Development Trust.
See here for more information about Olivia's history in the area.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/western-leader/3210000/Honour-in-the-wings