New Year Honours for Salvation Army Women 

Two remarkable women with links to The Salvation Army were appointed Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours List. Sue Hobbs was recognised for her services to people with disabilities, and Dr Caroline Oliver for her services to cancer research and the community.  

Sue Hobbs: Advocate for Safeguarding 

‘It was a very emotional moment for me to receive this award,’ shares Sue, ‘My work is shaped entirely by the experiences people have shared with me and the trust they have placed in me.’ 

Sue has a long history of supporting and advocating for people who are often overlooked. She began her career as a police officer in the United Kingdom, where she witnessed firsthand how people who had experienced abuse were treated within the system. ‘I made the decision at a young age that I was going to do everything in my power to improve outcomes for people who have been abused,’ she says. 

After her time frontline policing, Sue moved into strategic work, developing policies designed to safeguard vulnerable or marginalised people. When Sue moved to New Zealand, she continued her advocacy through a national organisation, leading the development of safeguarding policies and procedures.  

Last year, she joined The Salvation Army as Safeguarding policy advisor within the Safeguarding team. ‘My work at The Salvation Army came about because of The Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse. Safeguarding is integral to all the recommendations made by the report. My role is to support the team reviewing policies through a safeguarding lens and ensure that what we do protects and respects every person,’ explains Sue.  

One piece of feedback has stayed with her. ‘Someone said to me, “Thank you for your quiet and well-targeted advocacy.” It means so much, because there are moments when it’s felt like I’ve been knocking doors just to be heard. Over the years, I’ve learned to walk alongside people and respect where they are at in their understanding,’ she says. 

‘I am very mindful that this award has my name on it, but it carries the weight of the community and everyone who has been on this journey with me. I’m especially grateful to my inner circle, who encouraged me to keep going when the work has been challenging,’ shares Sue. 

Caroline Oliver: Biotechnologist and Volunteer 

‘Receiving this award has been quite overwhelming,’ reflects Caroline. ‘I’m still coming to terms with it to be honest.’ 

As a biotechnologist, Caroline was part of a team at Kode Biotech Ltd (supported by Auckland University of Technology), that developed a synthetic molecule capable of breaking down cancerous tumours. This groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment is incredibly powerful—removing tumours without the need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In 2015, Kode Biotech Ltd won the New Zealand Innovator of the Year Award for its work in cancer immunotherapy.  

Outside of her research, Caroline’s contributions to the community have been diverse and deeply impactful. ‘You could say I inherited an altruistic gene from my father,’ she says. ‘I’m not good at sitting still, so when I see a need, I want to contribute and be useful.’ Over the years, this desire to help has seen her serve on school committees and volunteer with Brownies, Guides and Keas. 

In addition to supporting youth organisations, Caroline also volunteered as a member of Rotary and The Royal Society and held several positions at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland. Since moving to Wānaka nine years ago, she has continued to share expertise and energy—leading mainly music and volunteering as a teacher aide at Hāwea Flat School where she teaches science. ‘I love encouraging children to be curious. I want them to see that anyone can be a scientist,’ she says. 

Caroline also volunteers at her local Family Store two days a week, occasionally stepping in as a casual employee. ‘When I moved to Wānaka, I looked around to see where I could fit in and contribute. The Family Store has become like family to me. I’ve been there for eight years now and absolutely love it!’