She has been a community leader in improving mental health outcomes for young people since the early 2000s.
She is the director for Mirror Services in Otago and Southland, delivering counselling and treatment programmes for young people and their families.
Ms Fraser-Komene said it was a "real privilege" to become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
"It was totally unexpected and beyond what I would have anticipated happening."
She trained as an addictions counsellor after having substance abuse and addiction issues herself.
Ms Fraser-Komene had in the past spoken openly about her lived experience, having overcome addiction in her mid-20s.
She said that journey profoundly influenced her professional path and leadership approach.
"Recovery taught me that meaningful change is possible, even when it feels out of reach.
"That belief has underpinned my work ever since."
Ms Fraser-Komene wanted to acknowledge the many colleagues, mentors and communities who supported her work over several decades.
"No work in this sector is done in isolation," she said.
She was grateful to everyone who had worked alongside her.
Mirror provided early opportunities to foster a strong commitment to bicultural practice, she said.
"Developing a genuine understanding of te reo Māori, culture and whānau has strengthened our services and outcomes," she said.
Ms Fraser-Komene also played a significant role at the national level as a leader in the National Committee on Addiction Treatment (NCAT), helping to shape policy, workforce and service delivery across the country.
She emphasised the courage of those seeking support for mental health or addiction challenges.
"The bravest step someone can take is asking for help.
"That decision affirms that their life, wellbeing and future matter, even when they may feel the complete opposite."
Deborah Kay Fraser-Komene
Dunedin
MNZM
Mental health and youth
