The Queen's Service Medal
ALENE-TUMATAIKI, Mrs Foumana
For services to the Niue community and education
Mrs Foumana Alene-Tumataiki ran an arts and crafts group for young mothers and seniors within the Niuean community from 1994 to 1997, which was later registered as the Matakau Niue Fiti Lagalaki Trust and led to the establishment of a fully licensed early learning centre under the name Fiti Lagakali Aoga Niue.
Mrs Alene-Tumataiki currently manages Fiti Lagakali Aoga Niue, which now employs five qualified educators and has 35 students at present. She has also been instrumental in the formation of Kautaha Aoga Niue Trust, which aims to bring together all of the Niue Early Learning Centres in Auckland to share information and networks, and currently serves as Chairperson. She has lent her expertise to other Niue playgroups to assist them becoming fully licensed centres, which has involved completing documentation, setting up governing boards and interviewing staff and educators. She has been an Executive Member of Vagahau Niue Trust since 2006 and a member of the MIT Pacific Community Panel since 2010. From 2008 to 2012 she volunteered every Tuesday night at Radio 531pi to promote the Niue language and culture on their children’s programme. Mrs Alene-Tumataiki is an active member of the Mangere PIC Church, where she has also held leadership roles.
The Queen's Service Medal
ANDERSON, Mr Ian Rodney (Rod), JP
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Mr Rod Anderson has contributed voluntary service to the Luggate community through a range of organisations for more than 40 years.
Mr Anderson joined the Luggate Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1972 and has held the position of Chief Fire Office continuously since 1985. He is a local Civil Defence Coordinator responsible for liaising with the Area Emergency Management Officer for the Queenstown Lakes District and supervising the Luggate Civil Defence volunteer team. He has served on the Luggate Community Association for many years and is currently Deputy Chairman. He has been a member of the Albion Cricket Club since 1983, having played a significant role in the Club’s re-establishment at that time, and was made the Club’s first Life Member in 1997. He was a member of various sub-committees that fundraised for and purchased an irrigation system for the Club, and maintained and expanded the Club’s facilities. He has contributed to the Wanaka Rodeo Club’s annual rodeo events since 1964 and was made a Life Member of the Club. Mr Anderson was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 2013.
The Queen's Service Medal
ANDRELL, Mrs Shona Evelyn
For services to the stroke community
Mrs Shona Andrell has provided assistance and support to members of stroke communities in Christchurch and the South Island since 1997.
Mrs Andrell set up the Richmond Stroke Club in Christchurch in 1997 and has been the coordinator of its fortnightly sessions. The Club provides support to those that have been affected by a stroke, including professional sessions to improve survivors’ communication, language and motor skills. She has helped establish inter-club executive meetings across the region. In 2001 she was elected to the Stroke Foundation’s Southern Region’s Council and was elected South Island President in 2008. When the Council closed in 2014, she was appointed to the new Southern Stroke Advisory Group in 2015. Despite suffering a stroke in May 2016, she has continued to assist with the organisation of the Richmond Stroke Club. As recognition of her contributions, she was made a Life Member of the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand. Mrs Andrell was the community representative on the establishment committee that set up the Stroke Rehabilitation Facility at Princess Margaret Hospital, where she then volunteered in the Stroke Ward.
The Queen's Service Medal
ANNAMALAI, Mr Ray Raman, JP
For services to the community and Tamil culture
Mr Ray Annamalai has actively supported Tamil culture in Auckland and Hamilton, particularly through the establishment of two Hindu temples.
Mr Annamalai is an active member of the North Shore community and has helped arrange community activities in the Glenfield area. He is involved with the Rotary Club, is a Justice of the Peace, and is the President of the North Shore Multicultural Council. His contributions to the Tamil community include leading the development of the Sri Ganesh Temple in Papakura, the first Tamil temple in New Zealand. He served as chairperson for 17 years and is a life Trustee. The temple is one of the most visited in New Zealand. He is Patron of the Muth Tamil Sangam community group for Tamil-speaking people, mostly from southern India, which he helped establish to provide support for the community. He has also devoted his energies to establishing the Sri Balaji Temple in Hamilton, where he serves as a Trustee and Vice Chairman. He worked to support the Culture Reading 4 U community programme that helped adult migrants, particularly the elderly, with conversing and reading in English. Mr Annamalai has been recognised for his work with a North Shore Civic Award.
The Queen's Service Medal
ARGYLE, Mr Ian Hector
For services to outdoor recreation and conservation
Mr Ian Argyle has worked for more than 20 years on a voluntary basis to open walking tracks east of Palmerston North and south as far as Shannon, the majority of which form part of the Te Araroa Trail national walkway.
Mr Argyle also opened the Naenae Track, which creates an east-west crossing over the Tararua Range. Most of this track creation work has been done manually with shovels, picks, chainsaws and wheelbarrows. He has led teams of volunteers, prisoners from Linton Prison and at times soldiers from Linton Military Camp in this work. His work has provided tramping, cycling and walking trails for New Zealanders to enjoy, while also enhancing and ensuring the survival of flora and fauna which might otherwise have become scarce and inaccessible. The first track he initiated was the Sledge Track in 1999 with the help of a team of volunteers, which was later officially opened by The Right Honourable Helen Clark in 2003. He continues to work on the track to this day through propagating and planting seedlings. He has documented the history of the Sledge Track in his book ‘Beyond the Black Bridge’ (2004). Mr Argyle has published three other books covering aspects of the region and its history.
The Queen's Service Medal
BARNETT, Mrs Anne Elizabeth Ellen Darby
For services to health education
Mrs Anne Barnett is the Managing Director of Bounty, a group that provides educational resources to expectant and new parents throughout New Zealand.
Mrs Barnett established Bounty in 1995 and has been the Editor in Chief of its two annual publications, ‘Your Pregnancy’ and ‘Your Baby’ that are free to the consumer. She financially supports many healthcare professionals through sponsorship for continued education, as well as contributing to numerous charities and community events. Prior to establishing Bounty, Mrs Barnett worked as a community Plunket nurse servicing low socio-economic areas in Canterbury.
The Queen's Service Medal
BENNETT, Mr Aidan
For services to the community
Mr Aidan Bennett is the founder and Managing Director of Benefitz, a successful North Shore print and communications company, and is President of the North Harbour Club Charitable Trust.
Mr Bennett has been a member of the North Harbour Club since 1988, serving as a Trustee from 2004 and Vice President from 2012. His leadership of the Charitable Trust was integral to the expansion of the annual AIMES awards, which makes significant grants to young people aged 10 to 25 years who are achieving excellence in the areas of the arts, innovation, music, education, sport, or service to the community. He secured a partnership between the Club and the North Shore Business Hall of Fame that results in the Trust taking stewardship over the Hall of Fame. Known for his philanthropic work, both through his business and personally, he supports many local not-for-profit organisations and projects in sport, education, health and the arts. He has been a Trustee of the Takapuna Beach Playground Trust, St Patricks Day Golf Trust, the Stellar Trust advisory board, and Harbour Access Trust. For many years Mr Bennett has also provided annual graphic design scholarships for students at several North Shore secondary schools.
The Queen's Service Medal
BHANA, Ms Raewyn Teresa, JP
For services to the community
Ms Raewyn Bhana has contributed to several initiatives to support people in the South Auckland community.
Ms Bhana is an Operation Manager with Whanau Ora Community Clinics and has been a Manager of Safer Aotearoa Family Violence Prevention Network since 2010. She has coordinated the White Ribbon Dinners in South Auckland for the past four years, an event which is supported by the White Ribbon Bike Riders, local schools and kaumatua. She has organised a team of more than 100 volunteers to provide an annual lunch on Christmas day for the homeless and those living in poverty in Papatoetoe, Manurewa and Wiri, which is achieved through sponsors and donations. The first such meal was held at Manurewa Marae in 2012 with more than 200 people in attendance. As this event has grown it was moved to Manurewa Netball Court and in 2016 it was held in Wiri with approximately 600 in attendance. Ms Bhana has volunteered at Smith Avenue Community Centre in Papakura providing advice to families on applying for benefits and supporting a healthier lifestyle.
The Queen's Service Medal
BROWN, Mrs Diane Margaret
For services to the community and sport
Mrs Diane Brown has contributed to a range of community organisations in the Te Akau district in the Waikato region since the 1970s.
Mrs Brown served 12 years as Secretary of the Te Akau Waingaro Community Complex and has been the Treasurer since 1989. From 1971 to 1979 she was the President of the Te Akau Plunket Society and organised fundraising events, such as balls and dinners, to support the Society’s work. Since 2004 she has served as the President of the Waimai Polo Club and organises the annual Polo Tournament. She has helped organise multiple fundraising events in the community to support those in need. Throughout her 10 years as Secretary of the Te Akau Golf Club, she helped the Club regain financial stability. Numerous other organisations have benefited from Mrs Brown’s voluntary work, including the Te Akau Girl Guides/Brownies group, the Te Akau Play Centre, and the Waingaro Sale Yards Company.
The Queen's Service Medal
BROWNE, Mrs Carrol Eileen
For services to the community
Mrs Carrol Browne is Chair of the Fox Glacier Community Development Society and has previously been a committee member.
Mrs Browne founded the Community Contact Network in 1985, which was established as a small group of women who wrote, published and distributed a newsletter to people across southern Westland. The Community Contact Newsletter was a critical resource in keeping people in the isolated communities of southern Westland informed and engaged in the life of the community. Community Contact has continued this work to present day. For nine years she has been the driver of local fundraising to build a new Community Centre at Fox Glacier. The Community Centre was officially opened in April 2017. She helped found and is Director of Fox Glacier Guiding, a leading nature-based tourism company, and has held membership on West Coast tourism boards. Mrs Browne was a member of the Marine Protection Forum in 2005 and has been a South Westland representative to Tai Poutini Polytechnic.
The Queen's Service Medal
BULL, Mr John Alban
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Mr John Bull has been a volunteer firefighter in the Fire Service in New Zealand for more than 50 years, most recently in the Coromandel.
Mr Bull first served as a volunteer firefighter in Pureora Forest in 1964, before moving to the Kaingaroa Forest Brigade and then the Gisborne Brigade. He remains a serving volunteer firefighter in the Coromandel Volunteer Fire Brigade, which he joined in 1990. His contribution to the four volunteer brigades he has served has been in both operational and training roles. He is well known as a coach and mentor for new members of the service, with his high personal standards and professional and technical skills setting him apart as a person to follow and learn from. He has provided emergency response, community support, and public education to workplaces and other groups. He has also been active in the United Fire Brigades Association’s competition events at local and national levels. Mr Bull’s contributions and commitment have been recognised by several life membership awards, Service honours, and good conduct awards.
The Queen's Service Medal
CAMERON, Mr Donald Harvey (Don)
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Mr Don Cameron was involved with the Diamond Harbour Fire Brigade for 50 years until his retirement in 2015, having been Chief Fire Officer for 15 years.
Mr Cameron co-founded the Diamond Harbour Rugby Club and has continued involvement as Patron. He has been a member of the Lyttelton Rotary Club and has supported a range of community initiatives, including becoming a member of the committee of the Cressey House Trust in 2010, which is responsible for allocating funds to support the elderly in the Diamond Harbour area. He chaired the Diamond Harbour School Committee for a number of years, steering the committee through a period of difficulties in the school community. During this time he was also involved with the school establishing a sailing club. He was a performer with the Diamond Harbour Merrymakers theatrical group and chaired a committee to fundraise for building a stage room on the rear of the community hall for use by the Merrymakers and other community groups. He was a member of the Diamond Harbour Civil Defence organisation, led a number of emergency responses, and served as Deputy Chair. Mr Cameron has been a key member of a local group which has worked to reinvigorate Anzac Day commemorations in the community.
The Queen's Service Medal
CORRY, Mr Daniel Christopher Clinton
For services to the community
Mr Daniel Corry co-founded the Ellesmere Food Bank in 1995 with his wife Mrs Leonie Corry and has led the charity since that time.
The Food Bank is based in Leeston and provides food to schools, services, and other food banks in Christchurch and occasionally the West Coast. Mr Corry has established a network of food suppliers and a system for keeping costs low through which he collects fresh produce from the Selwyn district and provides this to Christchurch city food banks in return for non-perishable items. On average the Food Bank distributes around 3,500 parcels a year. The Food Bank’s output increased significantly in the years following the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. Food was also provided to North Canterbury residents after the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. Beyond the Food Bank Mr Corry also receives and distributes donated items such as furniture, cuts firewood and provides it to low income families throughout winter.
The Queen's Service Medal
CRAIGIE, Mr Philip John
For services to music
Mr Philip Craigie has contributed as a musician, teacher, mentor, and musical director for more than 50 years.
Over Mr Craigie’s 40 year teaching career he was Head of Department (Music) at Riccarton High School, Head of Department (Music) at Otago Boys High School, Deputy Principal of Taieri High School, and Principal of Kaikorai Valley College. He has been musical director of the Mosgiel Brass Band since 1988. He has been involved with St Kilda Brass and has been conductor of the Otago Symphonic Band. He conducted and led the Celebration Singers on several national tours and a tour to Tasmania, and under his leadership the choir produced four records. He was heavily involved with the Otago Secondary Schools Music Festival Committee and prepared the constitution for the annual Music Festival to become an incorporated society. He has taught many students piano and brass instruments through schools, community music programmes, and as a casual teacher. He organises community music groups including an annual community concert and an annual community choir each Christmas. Mr Craigie chaired the Anniversary Organising Committee for the 150th anniversary of the North Taieri Presbyterian Church.
The Queen's Service Medal
DICK, Mr Ian Morrice, JP
For services to the community and local government
Mr Ian Dick was a Napier City Councillor from 1989 to 2001, six years of which he spent as Deputy Mayor.
During this time Mr Dick was a driving force on the Municipal Theatre fundraising committee and played a mediating leadership role within the Council, helping major projects come to fruition. He is a past Captain of the Napier City Rovers Football Club and was Chairman on the Hawkes Bay organising committee for the FIFA U17 World Cup in 1999. He served on the Board of Governors for both Sacred Heart College and St Johns College and was the Chairperson of the first Board of Trustees when St Patricks Girls School merged with Marist Boys School. He has been a member of the Parish Council of St Thomas More Parish for many years and he played a key role both in the building of the Heavy Hall and the rebuild of St Thomas More Church. He is a life member of Lions New Zealand and has been involved in a range of community projects for more than 20 years. Mr Dick was President of the Napier Scinde Lions Club, was instrumental in establishing the Napier Leo’s Club, was District Governor for the East North Island District, and served a term as Council Chairman of the New Zealand Lions Club.
The Queen's Service Medal
DIVER, Ms Frances Ina (Francie)
For services to the community
Ms Francie Diver has been involved in community and Māori health services within Central Otago for more than 35 years as an advisor, coordinator, and Board member of more than 20 organisations.
Ms Diver serves as tangata whenua representative to Central Otago Health Inc., is a director of the free Māori healthcare provider Uruuruwhenua Health, and is Chair of the Central Otago Child Care and Protection Resource Committee. She founded the Te Ao Huri whānau group which supports families with mental illness. She has held voluntary leadership and governance roles with charities and local government initiatives in the Otago region, including the Central Otago District Committees of Creative Arts New Zealand and SPARC’s Community Sport Fund, the Central Otago Rural Education Activities Programme, the Schizophrenia Fellowship, Women’s Refuge, and the Central Otago Ecological Trusts Mokomoko Sanctuary Project. She is a deputy community member of the Mental Health Review Tribunal and a member of the Otago Conservation Board. She was the presiding member of the Otago / Southland Lottery Community Committee. At a national level Ms Diver was a director of the former Crown Research Institute Crop and Food Research Ltd and was a member of the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women.
The Queen's Service Medal
EASTMAN, Mrs Elizabeth Medwin (Liza)
For services to the arts and the community
Mrs Liza Eastman has been a member of the Golden Bay Arts Council for 17 years and has held the positions of Co-Chair in 2008 and 2015, and Chair in 2016/2017.
Mrs Eastman is a member of the subcommittee that established and runs the Golden Bay Art Bank gallery. She is a founding member of the Golden Bay Patchwork and Quilting Guild and has held many positions within the Guild since 1995. She shares quilting techniques at her home and runs classes for those wanting to make art quilts. She has panels commemorating lives lost in both the American AIDS Quilt Project and the New Zealand AIDS Quilt. She has designed and led group quilt projects that hang in public spaces in Golden Bay and she and her husband have won four major prizes at the World of Wearable Art Awards. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. She helps to organise an annual quilt raffle which raises thousands of dollars for local and national voluntary services. She has helped raise awareness of the need for cushions for heart patients and quilts for premature babies and the elderly in public hospitals. Mrs Eastman produced wall quilts to raise funds for the Joan Whiting Rest Home, which now hang in the Golden Bay Community Health Centre.
The Queen's Service Medal
ERU, Reverend Matiu Nohokau
For services to Māori and education
Reverend Matiu Eru is a senior kaumatua of Ngati Kahungunu Iwi and an Anglican Minister who has provided cultural guidance, leadership and services to the Hawke’s Bay community.
Reverend Eru has been senior kaumatua and Rangatira at both the Tangoio and Petane Marae since 1991. He has been senior kaumatua for the Eastern District Police for the past eight years. He designed and taught a Māori language course for Police staff for three years. He has represented the Māori community on Police forums and has provided guidance on tikanga. He is currently kaumatua of Eastern Institute of Technology’s Hawke’s Bay campus and holds the unpaid role of kaumatua of the School of Māori Studies. He was previously been a lecturer from 1997 to 2012 at the EIT School of Māori Studies and a tutor and senior advisor at Te Whare Takiura o Kahungunu in Napier. Reverend Eru is employed as the senior tikanga specialist for the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board and is responsible for all Māori ceremonial requests received by the DHB.
The Queen's Service Medal
FALCONER, Mr Neil Murray, JP
For services to the community and broadcasting
Mr Neil Falconer began a career as a radio announcer with NZBC and between 1992 and 2011 he took on a volunteer role as an announcer for Radio Ferrymead in Christchurch, later becoming a volunteer announcer for Compass FM in Rangiora.
Mr Falconer was a member of the Hammersley Park School Council, a Trustee of Shirley Intermediate School from 1990 to 1997, and Trustee of Shirley Boys High School from 1995 to 2007, resuming this role in 2009. He is Chairman of the Resources Committee at Shirley Boys and has been involved with the relocation and rebuild of the school following the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. He has been involved with the Whanganui Pakeke Lions Club and Rotary in Christchurch. He spent a number of years as Treasurer for the Christchurch North Rotary Club and has helped facilitate Rotary International student exchanges. While Financial Manager for Westpac he initiated volunteer Christmas gift wrapping for the Christchurch City Mission, which occurred annually between 2001 and 2014. He has been a committee member of Christchurch Aotea Club and is currently Treasurer of the Waimakariri Combined Friendship Club. He has been an active Justice of the Peace since 2001. Mr Falconer has been an umpire and team manager for East Christchurch Shirley Junior Cricket Club.
The Queen's Service Medal
FARROW, Mr Roderick George (Rod)
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the forestry industry
Mr Rod Farrow has worked in a variety of positions in forestry management and fire control and he has been a key player in improving safety standards.
Mr Farrow began his career in 1957 and was the Principal Rural Fire Officer for the Tokoroa Rural Fire Authority for more than 10 years. He was responsible for overseeing the adoption of modern fire management practices and was instrumental in adopting the innovative Remote Automatic Weather Stations to monitor weather conditions across a wide area and to share the information across the District. His contributions to how forestry management monitors risks has led to better work practices that safeguard wood supply and increased fire response levels, and there were no large fires in the Tokoroa Rural Fire District during his tenure as the Principal Rural Fire Officer. He collaborated with other fire management groups across the North and South Islands. He has participated in numerous training courses and has shared his knowledge with his colleagues to improve safety standards throughout the industry. Mr Farrow was a member of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association’s fire committee and he used his experiences and knowledge to improve fire safety standards.
The Queen's Service Medal
FLETCHER, Mrs Kathleen Patricia
For services to music, science education, and the community
Mrs Kath Fletcher has had significant involvement in science education, through contributions to assessment development and training for NZQA and the Ministry of Education between 1995 and 2004, and through roles with Massey University College of Education.
Mrs Fletcher was a committee member of the Hawke’s Bay Association of Science Educators and served as Co-Chairperson. She has been a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry since 1981 and sat on the Manawatu Branch committee. She was made a Fellow in 1998 and has presented and convened conferences nationally. She organised and judged the Central Hawke’s Bay College science fair, which involved up to 13 other schools, for a number of years as a teacher and into retirement. She established the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award scheme at Central Hawke’s Bay College. She has been Organist and Choir Director at St Mary’s Church Waipukurau since 1973 and established the Central Hawke’s Bay Concert Choir, of which she is Musical Director. She is a member of the New Zealand Organ Association and was Secretary of the committee that established the Waipukurau Little Theatre. She is Secretary of Electra Art Gallery and is involved with the Pukeora Festival. Mrs Fletcher has been heavily involved with the Royal Lifesaving Society of New Zealand and has been examiner for lifesaving awards.
The Queen's Service Medal
FLOWERS, Mrs Lynnette Jean
For services to the community
Mrs Lynnette Flowers is a businesswoman who has used her networking expertise to support the work of not-for-profit organisations in the Waikato region for 15 years.
Mrs Flowers was co-opted in 2003 to the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Board to reinvigorate the Business Women’s Network. She grew that database from zero to nearly 400 members. She was elected to the Chamber three times, and was Chair of the Business Excellence Awards sub-committee. She has served as Chair of the Netball Waikato Board and was a member of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic Netball Board. She was appointed to Trust Waikato in 2011, which makes grants to Waikato-based community organisations. She has been Chair of the Plunket Waikato Board and Chair of the Community Living Trust. She was a founding member and Trustee of the Big Hearts Charity Ball, which raised money for community organisations such as Breast Cancer Trials New Zealand and Hospice Waikato. She has held regional and national governance roles with Habitat for Humanity. She has introduced nearly 100 volunteers to HFH by leading teams in ten third world countries to build houses for the poor. Mrs Flowers was appointed to the Pharmacy Council in 2015 and is a member of the Council’s Complaints Screening Committee.
The Queen's Service Medal
GORDON, Mr Bruce Arrol
For services to local government and the community
Mr Bruce Gordon was a member of the Hauraki District Council from 1998 to 2016, during which time he held various positions including Chair of the Plains Ward for six years, Chair of the District Plan Committee for 12 years, and Deputy Mayor from 2010 to 2016.
While with the Council Mr Gordon initiated the development of Pioneer Park in Ngatea, commissioned a sculpture for the centre of the park, and completed the Hauraki District Council District Plan Review over the course of 10 years. He continues to represent Hauraki District Council on the Tauwhare Koiora Co-Governance Committee for the Hauraki Treaty Claim. While not a member of St John Hauraki Plains, he was a member of the Fundraising Committee and Project Manager from 2006 to 2010 for the construction of a new St John Station in Ngatea. He is currently an independent member of the Honours committee for St John Northern. He was a key driver of the fundraising team which raised more than $600,000 to build an all-weather national standard hockey turf at Hugh Hayward Domain in Ngatea. Mr Gordon has previously been President of Hauraki Plains College and District Rowing Club, President of the Agricultural and Pastoral Show, and Chairman of Ngatea Scouts.
The Queen's Service Medal
GORDON, Mrs Lesley Elizabeth, OStJ
For services to the community
Mrs Lesley Gordon has been a member of Hauraki Plains St John since 1989 and has been Area Committee Chair since 1999.
Mrs Gordon was a member of the Building Committee for the construction of the new Hauraki Plains Ambulance Station in Ngatea from 2006 to 2010. She was a driver for the establishment of a St John Opportunity Shop in 2016 and volunteers at the shop. During her time with St John she has helped secure a new ambulance for Ngatea and been a driver of community fundraising events to develop St John facilities. She has been a Trustee of East Waikato Life Education Trust since 2001 and served as Chairperson from 2002 to 2010. As Chair she coordinated a refit of the Trust’s mobile classroom, secured sponsorship from businesses to transport the classroom to schools, and guided the Trust to expand its area to cover more schools. Within the wider community Mrs Gordon has been involved with the Plunket Society, a member of Ngatea Primary School Board of Trustees, organised the Plains Annual Art Show at the A&P Show for 10 years, and established the monthly community paper Plains Profile in 1992.
HONOURS
Officer of the Order of St John, 2013
The Queen's Service Medal
GOVIND, Mr Parshotam
For services to the Indian community
Mr Parshotam Govind is long-standing volunteer within the Indian community in Auckland.
Mr Govind has twice served as President of the Auckland Indian Association, which he joined in 1983. During previous service as Secretary, he was involved in the purchase of what is now the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, helping fundraise to pay for the property and refurbish the building. He coordinated the silver jubilee celebration of the centre in 2015, including the publication of a pictorial historical book. His active involvement and dedication in supporting the Indian community in Auckland was recognised in 2010 when he was awarded life membership of the association. He has been an executive member of the Auckland Regional Ethnic Council since 2012, promoting diversity, partnership, and leadership amongst multi-ethnic communities in Auckland. He has been a committee member of the Auckland Indian Sports Club, and represented the club in hockey and cricket. He has served as a Justice of the Peace since 2005. He is active in fundraising for diverse organisations including the IHC, RNZRSA, schools, and sport clubs. Mr Govind is valued for his constructive and calm participation and willingness to serve the community.
The Queen's Service Medal
GRAHAM, Mr Leslie John
For services to brass bands
Mr Leslie Graham has played in brass bands in Petone, Upper Hutt, Oamaru, Milton, Mosgiel, and Dunedin over the course of 65 years, beginning at Caversham in 1951 and ending up with Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Band in 2016.
Mr Graham held various offices with the Mosgiel and Kaikorai brass bands for 30 years. After having his left arm amputated after a farming accident in 1984 he set about relearning to play his instrument. He acted as Drum Major for the Mosgiel Band at the National Championship to maintain his involvement, while another player stepped into his playing role. He worked with occupational therapists to create a harness that allowed him to hold an instrument. He has spent his time tutoring and mentoring young players, organising and volunteering at music camps, and fundraising for youth bands. He was responsible for building a learners group with the Mosgiel band, which became the catalyst for programmes for Mosgiel and Kaikorai bands. In the 1990s he assisted the Roxburgh Band during a period of rebuilding, conducting them so they could attend a national championship and finding them a new conductor. Nationally Mr Graham has supported the introduction of new sections to open up the slow melody solo competition in National Championships and introduced the Les Graham Trophy for Slow Melody in 2015.
The Queen's Service Medal
GREENWOOD, Mrs Kathleen Isobel (Isobel)
For services to the community
Mrs Isobel Greenwood has supported the people of Tomarata and surrounding districts in a multitude of volunteer roles for the past 50 years.
Mrs Greenwood’s roles include environmental initiatives such as work with the Tomarata Lake Restoration Committee. She led an initiative to have the World War Two names added to the local war memorial. She was one of the founding committee members for the establishment of the local playgroup, which is still operating more than 40 years later, and the local chapter of the Brownies movement. She has contributed many years of fund raising for the local Plunket Society and has been a Citizens Advice Bureau volunteer. She has been an active member of Rural Women New Zealand for more than 40 years. She has been a committee member of the Tomarata Tennis Club. She has held many roles at the Tomarata Primary School, including inaugural librarian, teaching crafts to students, Calf Club Committee member, and returning officer for the first nine Board of Trustees election cycles. Mrs Greenwood has volunteered her time to restore and upgrade the local community hall and church and has arranged a number of non-denominational Christmas services at the latter to bring the community together.
The Queen's Service Medal
GRIMMER, Mr Alfred Warwick
For services as a charity auctioneer and to the community
Mr Warwick Grimmer has helped organisations throughout the Otago region raise funds in the roles of charity auctioneer and Master of Ceremonies for more than 35 years.
In these roles Mr Grimmer has often travelled long distances throughout the region to fundraise at events for such varied organisations as the Halberg Disability Sport Foundations, Regent Theatre Trust, Otago Community Hospice, Women’s Refuge, Otago Access Radio Society, Adult Literacy, and the Otago Rugby Union among many others. He has performed the roles of auctioneer and MC on a voluntary basis, refusing payment for his services, expenses and travel costs. Within the wider community he has been a founding member of the Rotary Club of Dunedin Central since 1980. He has been involved with Rhododendrons for Dunedin Trust as founding Chairman since 2000 and has helped oversee the planting of approximately 20,000 plants around the greater Dunedin area. Mr Grimmer became a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand in 2004 and was a member of the Otago Executive of REINZ from 1980 to 2005, having been involved with REINZ since 1976.
The Queen's Service Medal
HARDY, Dr Jean Morag (Morag)
For services to paediatrics and the community
Dr Morag Hardy served as a general practitioner and paediatrician for 40 years at Green Bay Medical Centre before retiring in 2012.
Dr Hardy has been a member of the Paediatric Society of New Zealand and was a visiting Paediatrician at Princess Mary’s Hospital. She is noted for her work on infant feeding and carried out a landmark five-year research study of malnutrition in 600 young children, which was published in the New Zealand Medical Journal in 1972. She was known for going beyond the call of duty for her patients, visiting them after hours, phoning them frequently to check on health issues and often waiving fees for patients on lower incomes. She was the delegate for the Medical Women’s Association at the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Council of Women. She was involved with Girl Guiding for more than 20 years, serving on the Auckland Provincial Committee and as Divisional Commander for South West Auckland. She would attend Guide Jamborees to provide medical care as a camp doctor. Dr Hardy was an elder in the Green Bay Church in the 1990s and has run the ‘Super Kids’ religious education programme at Green Bay Primary School for more than 10 years.
The Queen's Service Medal
HOWSE, Mrs Joan Colwyn
For services to women and the community
Mrs Joan Howse was a member of the Whangarei Branch of the National Council of Women for more than 40 years, serving as Treasurer for six years and President for four years.
Mrs Howse was a convenor of the National Standing Committee for Justice and Law Reform, which reviewed submissions from branches around the country to forward on to government departments for consideration. She was a member of the Whangarei Health Camp Board from 1969 and served as Chairperson. She was the first person to be awarded Life Membership of the New Zealand Association of Health Camps in 2003. She has held positions with Rural Women New Zealand. As a member of the associated Country Women she attended the World Conference for many years, and in 1977 created a wall panel which was presented at the conference in Beijing. She is a member of the Women’s Fellowship of St John Church in Whangarei. She has held a number of positions with the Northland Justices of the Peace Association, including Treasurer, President and Patron, and has also compiled a history of the Association from 1951 to 2000. Mrs Howse is a YWCA Board member, patron, and Life Member.
HONOURS
New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993
The Queen's Service Medal
JEBSON, Mrs Melissa Genevieve Compton
For services to agriculture and the community
Mrs Melissa Jebson has been President of the Central Districts of the Royal Agricultural Society since 2016 and is a member of the National Executive Committee of the NZRAS.
Mrs Jebson has been involved with the Malvern Agricultural and Pastoral Show for 25 years, most recently as a Health and Safety Officer and measuring steward, and previously as President in 2013. She is a National Horse Judge for equestrian events around New Zealand including Horse of the Year and other show events. She has previously been Secretary of the Young Farmers in Christchurch and Mid Canterbury Districts. She was elected to the Darfield High School Board of Trustees in 2007, becoming Deputy Chair in 2010, and serving again as a parent representative from 2013 to 2016. She was appointed the school’s Rugby Administrator in 2016. She has chaired Creative New Zealand Selwyn District since 2015. She has conducted the Malvern Choir and refereed for Malvern Netball. Mrs Jebson has been involved with Plunket at the local branch level for 12 years and has been a member of the Malvern Plunket Committee.
The Queen's Service Medal
KEEFE, Mr Michael John Mason (Mike), JP
For services to the community
Mr Mike Keefe has volunteered his time to assist a wide range of community organisations in the Rotorua community and beyond for more than 30 years.
Mr Keefe has served as the Chairperson of the Rotorua Community Youth Centre Trust and has been a long serving Trustee. As a former Trustee and member of the Rotorua Community Charity Trust he assisted in fundraising activities for numerous charitable purposes. He was a key player in the formation of the Whakatupato programme, an initiative that provides national firearms safety training to remote and rural communities. He has assisted with the implementation of various initiatives for societal betterment, with an emphasis on youth health and service to lower socio-economic groups, which have had positive outcomes. He has served on a wide range of community committees and continues to support a number of local charities. Mr Keefe has been a Justice of the Peace since 2000 and served more than 40 years with the New Zealand Police.
The Queen's Service Medal
KEEP, Mr Graham Arthur
For services to Scouting and the community
Mr Graham Keep has been involved with the New Zealand Scout movement since 1974, initially as a Scout Leader and Group Leader of the Silverstream Scout Troop.
Mr Keep went on to hold leadership roles with other scout troops around New Zealand. He was appointed Assistant Venturer Leader of the Oamaru/Waiareka District Venturer Unit and later became District Scout Leader. He was appointed District Commissioner in 1990 and for the next eight years he oversaw Oamaru/Waiareka District in developing a high level of participation, a strong volunteer base and long-term financial security. He has coordinated the District’s two main fundraising initiatives, namely the Goldfields Cavalcade and a marquee hire programme. He remains a member of the District Committee and is currently Fundraising and Equipment Hire Manager and District Quartermaster. He joined the Waitaki Rotary Club from 2002 to 2012, through which he has contributed to a range of community projects and was appointed Youth Director in 2003. Mr Keep was President from 2005 to 2006 and was instrumental in the purchase and operation of a food caravan that continued to raise funds for the community.
The Queen's Service Medal
LARCOMBE, Mrs Myra
For services to swimming
Ms Myra Larcombe has been involved with swimming and water safety for a number of decades, having been a competitor, instructor, coach, and club administrator.
Ms Larcombe began working as a swimming instructor in 1946 at Whangarei Swimming Club. She continues to be active in Northland as a Top Energy WaterSafe instructor to schools in the Bay of Islands. In 1974 she was co-founder of the Bay of Islands Swimming Club, where she remained as an administrator until 2010. She has continuously taught children to swim for more than 70 years and now teaches the grandchildren of some of her first pupils. She began swimming competitively in 1946 and set a number of New Zealand Masters swimming records between 1978 and 2000. She set a New Zealand record for 200 metre Long Course butterfly for 70 to 74 years while competing in the 1997 Pan Pacific Championship. She improved upon this record at the 1998 World Masters, which remained unbroken until April 2017. She was appointed as a regional coach for New Zealand Swimming and travelled the northern part of the country, working in clubs and schools to encourage good technique. Ms Larcombe received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Halberg Awards, having previously received numerous sportsperson and swimming awards over the years.
The Queen's Service Medal
LE PROU, Mr Brian Robert (Beau)
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Mr Beau Le Prou has contributed to the Opunake Fire Brigade for more than 32 years and has been their Secretary for 25 years.
Mr Le Prou has played a key role in organising two New Zealand Fire Service national basketball tournaments, as well as a regional vehicle extrication competition. He has been responsible for major fundraising activities for such projects as a new Fire Support van and trailer, rescue equipment and brigade memorabilia. He has displayed strong communication and organisational skills in writing to a wide range of organisations, national and local companies seeking sponsorship and support. For the past two years he has written a fortnightly report and fire safety column for the local newspaper and has helped spread the fire safety message to schoolchildren through the Fire Wise training programme. He has also volunteered his time as an ambulance driver and has been on the Opunake St John Area Committee for the past four years. He has taught in various schools in and around Opunake and at present works as a relief teacher at Opunake Primary School. Mr Le Prou has been involved with a self-funded mentoring and role model programme at Opunake Primary School, aimed at boys experiencing challenges in life.
The Queen's Service Medal
LOGAN, Ms Lorraine Melville
For services to music
Ms Lorraine Logan became Chairperson of the Friends of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in 2005.
Ms Logan joined the committee of the Friends society in 2003. Over the past 11 years as Chairperson she has been the key driver in the raising of approximately $400,000 for the Orchestra, helping it deliver a high quality concert programme. She has volunteered many hours to organising fundraising events and maintaining the network of classical music enthusiasts. Events such as dinners, garden tours, and functions for visiting conductors and soloists have been organised to support fundraising for the Orchestra. She was made a Life Member of the Friends of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in 2012. Ms Logan has been a Lions Club member for 18 years and a member of the Soroptimists for five years.
The Queen's Service Medal
LUI, Mr Filipo
For services to the Tokelauan community
Mr Filipo Lui has served the Tokelauan and Pacific communities locally and nationally for more than 40 years.
Mr Lui was a founding member of the Tokelau Hutt Valley Sports and Culture Association in the 1970s. In 1989 he helped to establish Te Umiumiga Tokelau Hutt Valley, through which a community centre was opened in 1998 where the Tokelauan language is spoken and cultural values are supported. For more than two decades, Te Umiumiga been used for a number of initiatives that have contributed to the wellbeing of the Tokelauan community. Mr Lui has served on Pacific advisory groups for numerous organisations including the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Department of Internal Affairs, Hutt Valley District Health Board, and WelTec. He led the development of the Ko Na Nanu O Te Tifa: Tokelau Hutt Valley Youth Development Strategy in 2006. In 2009 he was a foundation member of the Tokelau Wellington Leadership Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, which established the inaugural Tokelau Language Week in New Zealand in 2012. He worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Office of the Administrator of Tokelau before retiring in 2012. Mr Lui has recently worked with Lower Hutt’s Family Centre on social policy research.
The Queen's Service Medal
LUXTON, Mrs Thelma Margaret
For services to the community and cricket
Mrs Thelma Luxton has been a member of Soroptimists International Waitara since 1984, contributing to membership development, as Treasurer, and as President for three separate terms.
Mrs Luxton is Regional Programme Director and Archivist of Soroptimists International New Zealand Central, having previously held various roles including President. From 2002 to 2012 she was Assistant Treasurer of the Soroptimist International Federation in South West Pacific. She has been a Trustee of North Taranaki Healthcare Trust since 2005 and led fundraising of $1.5 million to establish and outfit a Health Centre. She has since supported the establishment of further services at the centre, including a radiology suite, dental and physiotherapy services. She has been involved with cricket in Waitara since the 1950s, having been scorer for Brixton and then Waitara Cricket Clubs from 1955 to 1991. She has been Secretary/Treasurer for Waitara Cricket Club and Manukorihi Sports Complex. She has been the official scorer for Taranaki Cricket Association since 1972. She has been Secretary of North Taranaki Junior Cricket Board and North Taranaki Primary School Cricket. Mrs Luxton has been Chairperson of Massey Trust since 1981, which supports Waitara High School with sports equipment and uniforms along with other school needs.
The Queen's Service Medal
LYDERS, Mr Daniel Walmar (Dan)
For services to conservation and forestry
Mr Dan Lyders has been a member of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association for 50 years.
Mr Lyders was a founding member of the Mid Otago Branch of the Farm Forestry Association and was a committee member for 30 years. He has extensive development of forestry plantings on his property and has provided leadership for the Otago farm forestry community. He was a founding member of the Waihola Waipori Wetlands Society in 2007 and remains an active member of the Board. He maintains a private wetland on his property, which is adjacent to the Waihola Waipora Wetland. He monitors the conditions and reports his findings to the Wetland’s committee. He was President of the Otago Acclimatisation Society when it was restructured and became the inaugural Chairman of Fish and Game Otago. Within the wider community Mr Lyders has served on the Berwick School Committee and West Taieri Medical Services Committee, as Secretary of Otago/Southland Dorset Down Breeders, as a member and Chairman of Saddle Hill Pest Board, and has been involved with the Taieri Dramatic Society.
The Queen's Service Medal
MANUEL-KOHN, Mrs Hinekakaho Averill (Hine)
For services to the community and Māori
Mrs Hine Manuel-Kohn has contributed to the establishment and development of a range of organisations and initiatives in the Wairoa district over the past 30 years, which have covered justice, community advocacy, iwi Māori development and social service delivery.
Since the 1980s Mrs Manuel-Kohn has been involved with counselling and victim support through Wairoa Alcohol and Drug Centre, Wairoa Victim Support, Wairoa Domestic Abuse Intervention Programme, Te Korowai Āwhina Trust and the Trust’s Emotional Freedom Technique Counselling Service. Where these services have been closed in recent years for various reasons she has often continued to provide support or maintained these services on a voluntary basis. She is currently a member of Tatau Tatau branch of the Tairoa Marae Māori Women’s Welfare League. She has been involved with Te Kōhanga o Taihoa, the first Kōhanga Reo in Wairoa, since its establishment in 1981. She has volunteered with the Wairoa Citizens Advice Bureau since 1988 and has assisted whānau with legal matters and advice through Wairoa Community Law Centre since 1999. Mrs Manuel-Kohn is a Trustee on the Board of the Community Law Centre.
The Queen's Service Medal
MILES, Mrs Margaret Ann, JP
For services to local government and the community
Mrs Margaret Miles has contributed to the North Shore community in a variety of roles for more than 40 years.
Mrs Miles was Albany Ward Councillor with the North Shore City Council from 1995 to 2010 and has since held the roles of Chair and Deputy Chair of the Auckland Council’s Upper Harbour Local Board. She supported the development of the North Shore Events Centre and North Harbour Stadium, and more recently the Albany Stadium Pool. She has played key roles in securing parkland for the Council and was instrumental in the creation of the North Shore Community Facilities Fund. She has had a significant involvement for more than 15 years with the Auckland Miniature Horse Club and serves on the committee. She is a member of the New Zealand Miniature Horse Association and judges community competitions for the Waitemata District Pony Club. She has been a foundation member of the E-Centre at Massey University. She has been a founding Trustee of the Project K Trust for youth and chaired the Albany Community Coordinator Trust. She has supported local sporting clubs and has held Patron roles with North Harbour Softball and East Coast Bays Football. Mrs Miles has been a committee member of several residents associations and has supported her local Plunket group.
The Queen's Service Medal
MORRISH, Mrs Margaret Emily
For services to heritage preservation
Mrs Margaret Morrish has played a major role in the preservation and dissemination of the local history of Lincoln and districts.
Mrs Morrish was a foundation member of the Lincoln and Districts Historical Society in 1991 and has served on its committee ever since. She also served as honorary secretary for 19 years, and as a key contact point for enquiries about the history of the district and its residents and the two heritage buildings preserved by the society. She played a pivotal role in the organisation and execution of the week-long celebrations of Lincoln’s 150th anniversary in 2013. She has developed strong contacts for the historical society with local, regional, and national heritage networks, including providing support for the establishment of the neighbouring Ellesmere Historical Society. She has acted as librarian and archivist, recording the details of artefacts, photographs, and print items. Her careful stewardship, dedication, and perseverance have led to the recording and preservation of much local history. Mrs Morrish has also played a prominent role in the Ellesmere Golf Club, serving on a number of committees and as Lady President for five years.
The Queen's Service Medal
MURDOCH, Mr Hardie Gary (Gary)
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Mr Gary Murdoch has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 50 years, rising through the ranks to the position of Station Officer.
Mr Murdoch has been Secretary of the Dargaville Volunteer Fire Brigade for 35 years. He is a past President and Life Member of the Northland Fire Brigades Sub Association, having also served as Secretary from 1998 to 2012. He served on the Executive of the Auckland Provincial Gold Star Association for eight years in the 1980s. He has been a committee member and Club Captain of the Dargaville Rugby and Sports Club. He has been involved with Club projects to construct and further develop their clubrooms. He was a member of the Management Committee of the Northern Wairoa Returned and Services Association for 12 years, having been a member of the Association since 1959. He has served in the role of Funeral Officer since 2000. Mr Murdoch has provided assistance to community fundraisers and functions and was named Dargaville Person of the Year in 2015.
The Queen's Service Medal
NICHOLAS, Mr James William (Jim)
For services to sport and the community
Mr Jim Nicholas has been actively involved in the Marlborough community for more than 50 years.
Mr Nicholas is a Life member of Bowls Marlborough, Blenheim Bowling Club, Marlborough Hockey and Marlborough Hockey Umpires, and a Hockey New Zealand long service award recipient. His involvement in hockey includes 13 years as President of Marlborough Hockey, nine years as a Hockey New Zealand Councillor and six as Chairman. He has been a hockey player, regional representative selector/coach, administrator and umpire, and is the current Patron of Marlborough Hockey. He began bowling in 1951 and has been President, Treasurer, Centre Delegate, Administration and Purchasing Officer and Chair of various Committees with the Blenheim Club, Vice-President and President of Marlborough Bowling Centre, President and Chief Executive of Bowls Marlborough. He also served six years as a Councillor of Bowls New Zealand and assisted in the establishment of the Bowls Marlborough Board. In the wider community, Mr Nicholas has given his time to Blenheim School, Marlborough College PTA, Scouts, Athletics, Probus, the Osteomy Society, and is currently a member of the Marlborough branch of the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind, RSA and the Blenheim Lions Pakeke Club.
The Queen's Service Medal
NUTSFORD, Mrs Diane Patricia
For services to people with Alzheimers and dementia
Mrs Diane Nutsford has been a committee member of Alzheimers South Canterbury since 2005 and President since 2009.
Mrs Nutsford has been instrumental in organising a National Donor Programme and has been a key driver of fundraising initiatives in this role. She organised the inaugural Memory Walk event in Timaru to raise dementia awareness. Memory Walks are now an annual event in South Canterbury and elsewhere in New Zealand. She developed a proposal to the Timaru District Council for the use of the building and grounds of a defunct local bowling club located within the Botanical Gardens. The Council agreed to the project in 2014 and the site was developed over a period of 18 months. It is now known as the Park Centre and is used six days a week as a day care for older people, including those with dementia. Other spaces in the building have been used for meetings and as gathering places for other community groups, while the grounds are still being developed. To date around $600,000 has been spent in refurbishing the centre and she has played a key role in raising these funds. Mrs Nutsford has been a committee member of South Canterbury District Health Board Disability Support Advisory since 2013.
The Queen's Service Medal
NU'U, Mrs Inga, JP
For services to the community
Mrs Inga Nu’u has volunteered with the Papakura Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) since 1991 and became Office Manager in 1994.
As Office Manager Mrs Nu’u has developed and maintained a strong team of volunteers, has overseen training for approximately 500 volunteers, and has worked beyond her paid hours on a consistent basis to provide a high standard of support for CAB clients. She has been Secretary of Community Network Papakura and has formed relationships with numerous volunteer groups in Papakura. She was a Board member of the Papakura Budgeting Services for a number of years. She was made a Life Member of Papakura CAB in 2016. She has been a member of Crimewatch Patrol in Papakura. She was a member of Counties Manukau District Health Board’s Community Panel from 2004 to 2007. Mrs Nu’u has been a Justice of the Peace since 1996 and was a Ministerial Trainer for the Franklin and District Justices of the Peace Association from 2011 to 2014.
The Queen's Service Medal
OLSEN, Ms Teresea
For services to Māori and health
Ms Teresea Olsen has founded, managed and supported community health projects for 35 years through her ongoing involvement with Kōkiri Marae Seaview, New Zealand’s first Kōkiri centre.
Ms Olsen established the Marae’s health services arm in 1992 and has since been the Marae’s Health and Social Services Manager. Within this role she has initiated and overseen programmes in women’s health and cervical screening, immunisation, diabetes outreach, sexual health, smoking cessation and lifestyle education. She has in addition supported the development of a range of affiliate projects including the Whai Oranga Health Centre, the Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust, family support agency Naku Enei Tamariki, and the Kōkiri Marae Māori Women’s Refuge. She is a long-serving Trustee of the Marae. She is a Trustee of the Te Awakairangi Health Network and from 2004 has been Chair of the Whaiora Whanui trust, which oversees ‘by Māori for Māori’ community-based health serves in the Wairarapa region. She is General Manager of Takiri Mai Te Ata Whanau Ora Trust and Chair of Mana Wahine, a collective of Māori health providers whose focus is on Māori women’s health. Ms Olsen was a member of the Māori panel judging the 2003 Asthma and Respiratory Achievers Awards.
The Queen's Service Medal
RANASINGHE, Mr Sepal Channa (Channa)
For services to the Sri Lankan community
Mr Channa Ranasinghe has given voluntary service to the Sri Lankan community in Wellington for more than 20 years.
Mr Ranasinghe joined the United Sri Lanka Association (ULSA) in 1998 as a committee member. He served as President on five occasions and as Vice President on six occasions. Under his leadership he led the fundraising of more than $250,000 for relief efforts following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, in addition to overseeing further fundraising and projects for the benefit of communities in Sri Lanka. He organised fundraising events to assist victims of the Christchurch earthquakes. He has helped organise ethnic forums with the Wellington City Council and has been active as an organiser of the Multi-Cultural Festival for more than five years. He worked with Housing New Zealand to organise First Home Buyer Seminars in Wellington to assist new immigrants. He has been Vice President of the Multicultural Association of Wellington for two years and has been a member for more than 10 years. He was appointed an advisor to the Federation of Multicultural Councils in 2013. Mr Ransinghe has been involved with various organisations locally in Churton Park, including the Disaster Management Committee, Toast Masters, and the Churton Park Community Association.
The Queen's Service Medal
SMITH, Mr Philip Ian (Phil)
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Mr Phil Smith has been Chief Fire Officer of the Whakapapa Village Fire Brigade since 2004 and is the only remaining founding member having served 38 years with the brigade.
Mr Smith has contributed to his local Whakapapa Village community as a Park Ranger for the Department of Conservation, a member of Whakapapa Village Social Club participating in numerous fundraising activities and community events for local facilities such as tennis courts and a playground, and as ambulance driver for the Village from 1980 to 2007. He contributed to search and rescue efforts for Army personnel trapped by a blizzard on Mt Ruapehu in August 1990 as well as being part of the search and rescue team who evacuated William Pike who was trapped in Dome Shelter near the summit following the 2007 Mt Ruapehu lahar. Mr Smith is Chairperson of Ngāti Hinerangi Trust and has been involved in the process to negotiate a Deed of Settlement for Treaty of Waitangi claims for the Matamata based iwi.
The Queen's Service Medal
SNEDDEN, Mr Arthur James (Jim)
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Mr Jim Snedden has been a member of the Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade for 52 years.
Mr Snedden is still an active firefighter and life member of the Brigade and as an electrician has offered his expertise free of charge to the Brigade to make improvements to facilities in past years. Since 1990 he has been an active player with the New Zealand Firefighter Sports Association. He has been instrumental in promoting and selling the New Zealand Firefighter calendar to fundraise for the Child Cancer Foundation and to assist firefighters in their sporting endeavours to compete in the World Firefighter Games. His initiative has helped raise more than $860,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation. At the national level he has been a significant contributor to the welfare of volunteer firefighters by establishing the Benevolent Fund for Injured Volunteer Firefighters. He has been involved in the wider community and in more recent years he established and set up the Waiuku Christmas Display in the Town Hall to help promote Waiuku. Mr Snedden has also been made a Life Member of the Counties Manukau Orienteering Club in recognition of his contributions to the Club.
The Queen's Service Medal
STAFFORD-BUSH, Mrs Patricia Mary (Paddy), JP
For services to the community
Mrs Paddy Stafford-Bush served on the Devonport Community Board from 1990 to 2001 and was Chair from 1995.
Mrs Stafford-Bush was a founding member of the North Shore Heritage Trust in 2002 and has been Chair for the past six years. She and her husband set up the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation in memory of their son. The foundation provides scholarships and sponsorships for young people across a range of activities and interests, particularly enabling upskilling and environmental protection. Through the foundation she has supported the Sea Cleaners initiative to clear rubbish from Waitemata Harbour and the Mountain to Sea Trust. She chaired the Auckland Conservation Board for a term and was subsequently appointed to the Board of Motu Kaikoura Island. She is an active member of the Devonport Rotary Club and has been involved with the organising of the Club’s Wine and Food fundraisers for local charities. She was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Rose Centre in Belmont in 1991 and has served as Patron for a number of years. Mrs Stafford-Bush is a member of the Bayswater Community Committee and the North Shore Events Centre Board.
The Queen's Service Medal
SYME, Mrs Julie Patricia
For services to the community
Mrs Julie Syme is a stalwart of the Kaikoura community, with a focus on community events, projects, development and communications.
Mrs Syme was a founding member of the Kaikoura Seaward Lions in 1992, has served in most roles within the organisation, and is currently President. She has spearheaded the Lions’ contribution to fundraising and managing community events, including the Recycled Trash to Fashion Show. She has assisted in raising an estimated $2 million dollars over the last decade for public amenities in the Kaikoura District, including the new hospital, the town clock, and the refurbishment of the Art Deco Community Theatre. Through the Lions, she has also been involved with the wider district, serving as District Governor and mentoring other prospective governors. She was the Secretary for the Kaikoura RSA from 2008 to 2016, a Trustee of the Kaikoura Education Trust, and foundation Secretary of the Kaikoura Community Theatre. She has previously been involved with Plunket, Playcentre, Red Cross, and the Presbyterian Church. Mrs Syme is currently the Secretary of the Community Hall Committee and President of the Kaikoura Garden Club.
The Queen's Service Medal
THORBY, Mr Ross Murray (Roscoe)
For services to the community
Mr Roscoe Thorby has been the founder and subsequent head organiser of the annual Franklin Road Lights in Ponsonby, Auckland, where during December the residents of Franklin Road decorate their houses with festive Christmas light displays.
Mr Thorby initially started the annual Christmas light display in 1993 to build community spirit, and since then the whole street has followed suit. The light display attracts tens of thousands to the street every year as a free, family friendly activity. He personally decorates his home with more than 60,000 lights and acts as unofficial warden of the street for the three weeks of the event. He has grown the event to its current scale without sponsorship or efforts to commercialise the event. For a number of years Mr Thorby met the costs of the opening night of the event himself, which has involved inviting a local celebrity to switch on the lights for the first time, as well as the organising of small gifts for the children who attend. For the past five years the Waitemata Board, on behalf of the Auckland Council, has helped fund the opening night of the event.
The Queen's Service Medal
TUPANGAIA, Mrs Mii Hinarere I Te Poerava (Mii Hinarere), JP
For services to the Cook Islands community
Mrs Mii Hinarere Tupangaia co-founded the Hutt Valley Cook Islands Association in 1973 where she has since held a range of positions, including as the current President for the past 12 years.
Mrs Tupangaia has supported a range of Cook Islands language and cultural revitalisation initiatives. She contributed to the Ministry of Pacific Peoples and Victoria University of Wellington collaborative project ‘Rays of Sound Cook Islands’, which provided free online digital stories, songs, prayers and proverbs in the Cook Islands Māori language. She has held leadership roles with Saint David’s Multicultural Parish in Petone. She has been a tutor for Reo Māori Kuki Airani language classes for all ages since 2013. She is a tutor for the Avaiki Nui Playgroup in Naenae, supporting the early learning and development of Cook Island children up to age four. She has held the positions of Chairperson, Secretary and committee member with the Wellington Cook Islands Sports, Church and Culture Federation, and has been Secretary of the national Federation. She has supported cultural showcase opportunities with the Auckland Museum, Te Papa, and Dowse Museum and provided cultural advice for ceremonies with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples. Mrs Tupangaia has led a variety of workshops in tivaevae, floral headwear, language, and cultural dance.
The Queen's Service Medal
TURNER, Mr Alan George
For services to the game of bridge
Mr Alan Turner has contributed services to the game of bridge for more than 30 years.
Mr Turner began playing bridge at university. He is currently ranked fifth on the all-time list of Master Points for New Zealand and is a Gold Grand Master. He has represented Waikato Bays District at many Interprovincial teams Championships. He represented New Zealand in Teams from 1975 until 2015 as both a player or a non-playing captain. He has been a member of the Tauranga Bridge Club since 1973. He was a Club Captain for more than ten years, President for three terms and was elected a life member of the Club in 1986. He was also President of the New Zealand Contract Bridge Association and Chairman of the Management Committee. He has served on the Board of NZBridge since 2007. A teacher by trade, he has worked to develop comprehensive teaching materials for clubs to use and tutored beginner and advanced players in Tauranga and other clubs in the Waikato Bays district. Mr Turner is a National Director and conducts seminars for new directors on the laws of the game and how to direct sessions.
The Queen's Service Medal
WALKER, Ms Jillian Marie (Jill)
For services to art and children
Ms Jill Walker is an artist and community arts advocate who has contributed to meaningful arts projects in Rotorua for more than 30 years.
Trained as an accountant, Ms Walker taught small business courses that assisted community work co-operatives and trusts in the 1980s. Through this work she recognised the importance of community arts and has since focused on enabling children and families through creative expression. She has facilitated opportunities for young people to have their art works celebrated and visible in public spaces. Examples of such opportunities and events include Rotorua’s Lantern Festival and Ignite Lantern Parade, the Community Street Banner Rotorua Project to transform city public spaces, the night-time children’s book event Night Magic and Tales by Torchlight, poppy-making workshops for Anzac Day, Sky Art Projects, and Music Month. She has coordinated the Rotorua Children’s Day celebration for 20 years. Since 1990 she has performed as part of the story music performance duo The Travelling Tuataras. Ms Walker was a founding member of Waiariki Art Workers in the Community Trust, was heavily involved in the development of the Rotorua Arts Village in 2002, and was on the committee to establish the Rotorua Children’s Art House.
The Queen's Service Medal
WARD, Mrs Cynthia Ruth
For services to nursing and children's health
Mrs Cynthia Ward is a nurse who has specialised in the care of children since 2000, with a focus on palliative care.
In 2003 Mrs Ward helped establish Rainbow Place, a children’s hospice service at Hospice Waikato. The first service of its kind in New Zealand, Rainbow Place provides nursing care and counselling to children with life-limiting, life-threatening illnesses, and counselling to children with adult family members receiving palliative care. In 2004 she founded True Colours Children’s Health Trust, which provides a nursing and counselling care model for all children with serious illnesses and their families. True Colours is a free service that has provided support to more than 1,600 children and their families within the Waikato region since its inception. Counselling is also provided to parents who have premature babies in Waikato Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the service was expanded more recently to parents whose babies are diagnosed with a health condition during pregnancy. Mrs Ward received the New Zealand Nurses Organisation’s Flora Cameron Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice in 2009 and the Orangi Kaupapa Trust Award in 2010.
The Queen's Service Medal
WIHAPI, Reverend Rereamanu Patana
For services to Māori
Reverend Rereamanu Wihapi is a respected kaumatua, leader and educator of te reo Māori and tikanga within his community.
Reverend Wihapi is a member of Rangiuru Sports Club and currently serves as kaumatua and President. He has been Minister in Charge of Te Puke Anglican Church and has been kaumatua and cultural advisor to Te Puke High School. He has been Chairperson of Tapuika Iwi kaumatua council since 2002. He has been a Director and Trustee of Otukawa Farm Trust since 2002 and Trustee of Mangorewa Kaharoa Trust since 2007. Reverend Wihapi has been a Trustee of Tuhourangi Marae since 2007.
The Queen's Service Medal
WILLIAMS, Mr Richard Francis (Dick)
For services to the State
Mr Dick Williams has throughout his public service career supported the work of the Courts in various operational and management roles.
Mr Williams has held the role of Court Registrar across a range of courts, from city courts in Wellington and Hamilton to provincial courthouses in Westport and Tokoroa. He rose to the position of Assistant Secretary for Courts in 1989 with the Department of Justice. He has been Manager Applications Support with the Ministry of Justice’s Information Communication Technology Group since 2005. His team oversees many of the Ministry’s most critical operational systems including the Court’s Case Management System and COLLECT for fines collection. He has worked on a range of projects and initiatives over the course of his career, including the development of a work management system for Courts, development of the Small Claims Tribunal (now the Disputes Tribunal), and the development of a court officer training programme. More recently Mr Williams provided key support in the Ministry’s rollout of the new Criminal Procedure Act.
The Queen's Service Medal
WRIGHT, Mrs Lyndsay Stanton
For services to swimming
Mrs Lyndsay Wright has been involved in swimming in Greytown for more than 60 years, as a competitive swimmer, volunteer swimming teacher, and committee member.
Mrs Wright has been involved with swimming in Greytown since she was a child. She taught Learn to Swim, water safety and Lifesaving classes voluntarily, and introduced the Royal Life Saving Society Aquapass programme into Greytown Primary School. She was custodian of the Greytown Swimming Pool for twenty years, and a member of the Greytown Swimming Club Committee for 15 years. She encouraged young people to take up competitive swimming and diving, and to use their skills to assist younger swimmers in the Greytown Swimming Club. She has more recently encouraged older people to take up swimming for fitness. She has mentored competitive swimmers, and supported the Swimming Club with timekeeping, judging, and supporting Club competitions and other activities. Mrs Wright has been Patron of the Greytown Swimming Club since 2005, and has more recently extended her volunteer activities to the St Vincent de Paul shop in Carterton and the Cobblestones Museum.
The Queen's Service Medal
Honorary QSM
PHILLIPPS, Mrs Sereana Comeke
For services to the Fijian community
Mrs Sereana Phillipps has served the Fijian community in Wellington on a voluntary basis for more than 20 years.
Mrs Phillipps’ early community work included organising cricket teams from Opunake High School and the Taranaki region to visit Fiji for matches against Lakeba Cricket Club. She has helped newly immigrated families from Fiji settle into life in New Zealand, often providing food, clothing and bedding as required. She has given significant support to the Fijian High Commission in Wellington to plan and prepare for visits by various dignitaries, including the President of the Republic of Fiji in 1997. She has been a member of the Wellington Fiji Community Contact Group since its establishment in 2000. In this role she has been involved in organising various events for dignitaries and the Fiji Day celebrations in 2015 and 2016. She has been a member of the Wellington Fijian Language Komiti since 2013. She has been a key organiser of the Fijian community’s fundraisers and preparation for the annual Wairarapa Pasifika festival. As a member and representative player for the Masterton Golf Club for 20 years Mrs Phillipps has promoted the sport in Fiji and represented Fiji in various tournaments.