Congratulation to Rochana Sheward, Belong Aotearoa Chief Executive for being appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours 2022, for her work and service to the community.
“Wow - I am a little overwhelmed and feel incredibly humbled when I read through the honours list and see all the amazing New Zealanders who are being recognised as well. What an honour!”
To be a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit:
SHEWARD, Ms Rochana
For services to the community
Ms Rochana Sheward has worked more than 20 years with not-for-profit organisations, strengthening communities through empowering and developing sustainable projects.
Ms Sheward was the Chief Executive of Maclaren Park Henderson South Community Trust between 2006 and 2017, establishing and developing four key programmes; the Hubwest Facility, Fairfood, The Tipping Point and Studio MPHS. Fairfood, now an independent charity, is a food rescue operation, partnered with local businesses and trusted donors to ensure surplus food is delivered to frontline charities in Auckland. The Tipping Point is a bargain store for preloved, salvaged goods adjacent to the Waitakere Refuse Station. She secured a brand-new facility that is accessible to all in West Auckland in collaboration with Auckland Council to form the Hubwest Facility. Studio MPHS is a STEM creative centre designed as an after-school space for the youth of West Auckland. She has been Chief Executive of Belong Aotearoa since 2017, working to address systemic barriers to settlement by supporting thousands of newcomers, migrants and refugees who have settled in Auckland. Ms Sheward works collaboratively with communities, government and other organisations in the non-profit and profit sectors, to innovate and lead initiatives and provided a place to learn skills and gain experience.