Lesley Max - determined to make a difference

With her honour, the country's newest dame wants to kick down doors and get more political attention for the education of children who are missing out on the best.

Lesley Max, of Auckland, was made a dame companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to children as chief for the Great Potential Foundation.

A former journalist, Dame Lesley wrote an influential book, Children: Endangered Species?, in 1990, leading to the creation of the foundation helping 1500 children and their families each year.

Although part-funded by the Government, the charity struggles for attention and cash.

"My first thought when I was told [of the honour] was `fantastic', this must mean the people who make decisions think what we are doing is effective and worthwhile, so maybe it will enable us to do more of it."

More work was needed to prevent children being neglected and abused. "We want to make a difference in the life of the nation. It is a big ask, but we're only four million." The political process of getting support was tough, particularly in the current economy, and being a dame would help bring in more money.

- © Fairfax NZ News