Ngāti Tūwharetoa descendant Shelley Campbell has been made an honorary captain of the Royal NZ Navy.
She’s a peer in the Royal NZ Navy and the first Māori woman to receive the rare title.
Rear Admiral Jack Steer from the Royal NZ Navy said “It's not just that Shelley is a woman and a Māori, she's a fantastic leader and has been an incredible asset to our navy.”
This humble CEO of the Peter Blake Trust, is passionate about empowering youth.
“I guess I'm standing up to receive this honour because I want other young Māori out there to aspire to reach their potential as well” says a humbled Shelley Maniapoto
Her daughter Erana Severne says her mum is hard working, kind and generous, “I think the underlying value is that she really wants to make a difference.”
Mrs Manaiapoto hopes Māori and Pacific women within the navy and outside of that see this as a recognition of their efforts to achieve their dreams and goals.
Former Waitakere Mayor, Sir Bob Harvey was also honoured with the same accolade.