ABUEL-GUDA, Mrs Agnes, JP
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the Filipino community.
Mrs Agnes Abuel-Guda has supported various community initiatives in Canterbury since 2008, been active with the South Island’s Filipino community and held offices with Filipino and multi-ethnic non-profit organisations.
Mrs Abuel-Guda has been involved with the Philippine Society of Canterbury, including as Secretary since 2015, Canterbury Philippines Assistance Group, and Pinoy Cares Canterbury. She has been a Multilingual Information Network Facilitator and member of the Woman2Woman Group for the Ministry of Ethnic Communities. She has been a member of Selwyn Central Community Care Board since 2021 and Selwyn Civil Defence Community Response Team from 2022. She has been Secretary of the Canterbury Ballers Club Trust since 2016, a Filipino sports organisation organising activities and supporting physical and mental wellbeing of youth. She co-established Hiraya Charitable Trust in 2025, a mental health trust for women and youth, organising workshops and activities in partnership with organisations including Blueprint for Learning and the Mental Health Foundation. She founded Kalinga Women’s Support in 2023. She was a coordinator and mentor for a Learner Driver Mentoring Programme with Selwyn District Council. She has volunteered as a community broadcaster with the Kabayan Filipino radio programme on Plains Media since 2013. Mrs Abuel-Guda has received recognition for her contributions including community awards from Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Philippine Embassy.
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AMNER, Mrs Amiria Belle (Honey)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to sport.
Mrs Honey Amner (Ngāti Kahungunu) has voluntarily contributed to local sport in Hawke’s Bay for more than 40 years, particularly through touch rugby, rugby and netball.
Mrs Amner was a national selector for all New Zealand Touch and New Zealand Māori Touch teams from 2000 to 2014, and helped the growth of competitive touch in New Zealand by advocating for equitable recognition of high-level athletes. Her integration of individual player statistics into selection worksheets is now critical to player evaluation and the team selection process. She has been part of Hawke’s Bay Touch Rugby for 30 years, and has managed teams ranging from young children to senior grades. She provides support at all levels, including planning travel logistics, assisting players in the sub box, and sorting team uniforms. She was team manager for the Hawke’s Bay Women’s Rugby Team for 10 years, working alongside coaches and mentoring young players during a significant period of growth in the women’s game. She has supported Hawke’s Bay netball teams ranging from social through to regional representative, and has been awarded Volunteer of the Year for Hawke’s Bay Netball multiple times. Mrs Amner helped found the All In Netball Club, and has overseen more than 287 teams in the 14 years since its establishment.
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AMUNDSEN, Ms Rebecca Rae (Becs)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to local government, arts and the community.
Ms Becs Amundsen is a community advocate and former Invercargill City Councillor dedicated to local initiatives.
Ms Amundsen has provided longstanding support for the development of an active arts sector in Southland, through her governance roles with the Dan Davin Foundation Literary Foundation and Arts Murihiku Charitable Trust. During her time as Deputy Mayor and Invercargill City Councillor between 2013 and 2022, her effort was focused on community engagement. She has been involved in numerous community projects and is known for her advocacy on issues such as housing for vulnerable populations, social services including through Connected Murihiku, and was an early advocate for community-led development. She has helped encourage a strong community in the Invercargill suburb of Glengarry, and was a key driver of the establishment of the Glengarry Community Market, beautification of the area, art projects and an annual family event. Through her involvement with the National Council of Women and KIND Women, she continues to advocate for women's rights and working towards a more equitable society. She spearheaded the Southland Oral History Project from 2008 to 2017, securing funding, providing training for people across the province and supporting interviewers. Ms Amundsen helped to initiate and drive the annual Southland Heritage Month and continues to advocate for heritage.
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ANNAMALAI, Mr Ravindran (Raveen)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to ethnic communities.
Mr Raveen Annamalai has made significant contributions to promoting multiculturalism in the Wellington community since 2008.
Mr Annamalai was a founding member of the Wellington Mutamizh Sangam (Tamil Language and Cultural Based Society) in 2009, and has played a key role in delivering a range of programmes and events that promote Tamil language, culture, and intercultural engagement. He founded and was inaugural President of the Aotearoa New Zealand Federation of Tamil Sangam from 2020 to 2023. He held leadership roles as President of the Multicultural Council of Wellington from 2014 to 2019, and Vice President of Multicultural New Zealand from 2017 to 2020, strengthening partnerships between ethnic communities and government agencies. He helped establish Wellington City Council’s Ethnic Advisory Board. He has led cultural exchange initiatives between Māori and Tamil communities, and supported major multicultural events including the 2011 Rugby World Cup Festival and the 2015 Diwali celebrations in Wellington. Mr Annamalai has further served the community through his involvement with the New Zealand Malaysian Society and initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion.
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ASTILL, Mrs Barbara Kay, JP
The King’s Service Medal
For services to women, the community and governance.
Mrs Barbara Astill has contributed voluntary service to community leadership, education and women’s advancement, drawing on her professional skills as a chartered accountant.
Mrs Astill held a range of Board roles in several New Zealand companies including Radio New Zealand, Trust Bank New Zealand, and Counties Manukau Netball. She has been a member of the Zonta Club of East Auckland since 1993, serving multiple terms as President. She has led the Club to deliver several initiatives supporting women’s education, safety and leadership. Most notably this has included the New Horizons for Women Trust scholarships, which provide ‘second chance’ education opportunities for women overcoming hardship to pursue tertiary education or retrain for employment. She has held national governance roles with Zonta New Zealand. She has chaired Tōtara Hospice South Auckland from 2016 to 2020, providing oversight during a period of growth and change in community palliative care services. She has been a Justice of the Peace since 2018. Mrs Astill was involved with the ACT Party establishment in 1994, remaining involved until 2014 with Board roles including time as Acting President.
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ATKINSON, Mr Neville Thomas, JP
The King’s Service Medal
For services to local government and the community.
Mr Neville Atkinson has contributed to the community of Kaiapoi for more than 50 years.
Mr Atkinson was elected to the Kaiapoi Community Board in 2001 and the Waimakariri District Council in 2004, serving seven elected terms. He was Deputy Mayor of Waimakariri from 2019 until retiring in 2025. He has supported a wide range of community organisations covering education, the environment, sport, youth, heritage preservation, and social programmes. Following the 2010 Canterbury earthquake, he was heavily involved in Kaiapoi’s earthquake recovery programme and rebuild to address extensive damage. He advocated for the saving and relocation of the historic Kaiapoi Railway Station, and for a second time following earthquake damage. Between 2012 and 2021, he was a Trustee and Chair of Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Coastal Park, supporting biodiversity restoration efforts for the 700-hectare park in Waimakariri, co-managed with Ngāi Tahu. He was a founding member of the Waimakariri Lifeboat Association, now Coastguard North Canterbury, where he held several roles including Board member, crew member, and boating safety educator. He has been President and Secretary of the Kaiapoi Promotion Association. He has organised community events including the Kaiapoi Santa Parade, River Carnival, water safety education in schools, and Market Day. Mr Atkinson has been a Justice of the Peace since 2007.
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BLUNT, Mr Ian John
The King’s Service Medal
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.
Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt has contributed more than 40 years to community service and leadership, primarily through Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Mr Blunt joined Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1984, progressing from Station Officer in 1988 to current Chief Fire Officer since 2002. He has played a key role in regional emergency preparedness and inter-agency cooperation by forging effective partnerships between Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John, Coastguard, and local Bay of Plenty organisations. In 2015, he pioneered the establishment of New Zealand’s first dedicated Medical First Response Unit staffed solely by medical responders, separate from the firefighting team. This innovation now supports approximately 300 calls annually and is recognised nationally. He has ensured sustainable funding for the station through community and corporate partnerships, enabling the acquisition of vehicles and equipment without requiring members to fundraise. As a long-time member, Chair and Course Superintendent of the Ōmokoroa Golf Club, he has used his own equipment and time to improve the grounds and infrastructure. He has been involved with the Ōmokoroa Boat Club since the early 1980s, serving as Commodore and ensuring ongoing emergency response collaboration to enhance community safety. Mr Blunt has been involved in Ōmokoroa Point School fundraising activities as a member of the Parent Teacher Association and through the Fire Brigade.
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BONE, Mr Keith Duncan
The King’s Service Medal
For services to swimming.
Mr Keith Bone has contributed to aquatic sports in Hawke’s Bay on a voluntary basis for more than 30 years.
Mr Bone started his involvement with swimming in his youth, achieving regional and national titles. In 1996 he joined the Heretaunga Sundevils Swim Club and became a volunteer referee. After several years of extensive involvement at the local club level he became a Regional Referee. He has been a Swimming New Zealand National Referee since 2003 and continues to officiate national swim meets. He has been a member of the Board of Hawke’s Bay Poverty Bay Swimming (HBPBS) since 2003, serving as Chairperson from 2004 to 2018 and again since 2024. He has been Regional Team Manager for HBPBS at national meets between 2010 and 2016, National Age Group Championships in 2013 and 2014, and New Zealand Short Course Championships in 2016. He helped establish the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre and the Hawke’s Bay Water Polo Association. He has been a member of the Board of Hawke’s Bay Water Polo Association since 2020. Mr Bone was awarded Life Membership of HBPBS in 2013 and received the Swimming New Zealand Distinguished Service Award in 2024.
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BREEN, Mrs Susan Linda (Sue)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to gifted children education.
Mrs Sue Breen has created opportunities since the mid-1980s to advance the education of gifted children, particularly at the preschool age.
In 1996 Mrs Breen created and still runs Small Poppies programmes for gifted preschool children, focusing on creative writing, mathematics, science and technology. She developed workshops for parents of gifted preschoolers at the George Parkyn National Centre for Gifted Education. She established a programme for gifted children in low decile South Auckland schools. She is a long-time member of the New Zealand Association for Gifted Children (NZAGC). She served in many roles with the NZAGC, including National President, Treasurer, and managed the publication of its journal ‘Tall Poppies’. She was a Board member for GiftEDnz, a professional association for teachers working with gifted children and served on GiftEDnz’s subcommittee to promote their core goals for children from birth to eight years of age. She was appointed director of the New Zealand Centre for Gifted Education in 2013. She was a Board member and director of the George Parkyn Centre for Gifted Education Trust. She currently works with Canterbury Explorers, where she runs the club day sessions and teaches Small Poppies classes. Mrs Breen is an Honorary Life Member of the NZAGC.
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BRESANELLO, Ms Amelia
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the community.
Ms Amelia Bresanello (Kāi Tahu) has volunteered with Edmund Rice Camps Dunedin since 1992, contributing with distinction to residential camps for young people aged nine to 14 who are in need of support.
Ms Bresanello's leadership spans all aspects of the organisation, including two decades as Committee Chair, as well as significant contributions to leader development, programme design, and the pastoral care of both campers and leaders. Her mentorship of leaders aged 16 to 30 extends beyond the camp setting, guiding many towards vocations centred on the wellbeing of young people and their whānau. She has cultivated extensive and enduring partnerships with agencies and schools across Otago, including Public Health Nurses, schools and social agencies, enabling targeted support for families. She secures funding to ensure camps remain accessible to young people in need, and coordinates the provision of essential resources, including food, uniforms, and digital devices, to support families facing hardship. In her professional role at Trinity Catholic College, Ms Bresanello supports students with complex needs, guiding them to successfully navigate the education system.
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BURROWS, Mrs Karen Mary
The King’s Service Medal
For services to sport and the community.
Mrs Karen Burrows has been heavily involved with the Hokitika/Westland community, particularly through local rugby and the RSA.
Mrs Burrows has volunteered with Wests Rugby Club for more than 33 years and was instrumental in navigating the club through a period of hardship and back to success. She has held all officer roles within the club, including President. She has coached and managed young players and drives teams to away games. In 2013, she became President of West Coast Rugby Union, becoming New Zealand’s first female provincial rugby union President. She is a Life Member of both Wests Rugby Club and the West Coast Rugby Union, and is currently Patron of West Coast Rugby Union. She has volunteered with the Hokitika/Westland RSA for 23 years in many capacities, including Secretary, Treasurer, building maintenance officer, cleaner and bar manager. She co-led the planning and fundraising to construct a new RSA building after the former building was deemed an earthquake risk. She has organised the annual ANZAC Day and poppy collection and assists unwell veterans with shopping trips and transportation to hospital appointments. Mrs Burrows has held other local governance roles, including current Treasurer and former Secretary of the Hokitika Angling Club, Treasurer of Grey Power, and a 15-year involvement with Red Cross.
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CHING, Reverend Tapita Taia
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the Pacific community and education.
Reverend Tapita Ching has contributed to the Pacific community in Nelson across education, culture and church ministry.
Reverend Ching is a bilingual support worker, teacher aide and school chaplain at Victory Primary School. She has provided translation assistance to help Pacific parents to engage with their children’s education. She established Moana Pasifika at the school, a cultural group dedicated to Pacific identities, values and languages. At weekly sessions, she teaches songs, dances and language lessons in te reo Māori Kuki ‘Airani and Gagana Sāmoa, helping Pacific children connect with their roots and build belonging. She hosts the Pacific Graduation annual event, a celebration bringing families together to recognise students’ efforts and growth. She was ordained in 2016 and attained Priesthood in 2018, and currently serves as Pou Mihana (Lead Enabler) for Nelson within Te Hui Amorangi o Te Waipounamu, the Anglican Māori Diocese serving the South Island. With six faith leaders, she formed the Nelson-Tasman Interfaith Council in 2017, and remains involved. She has been the regional link to the Anglican Women’s Studies Council for five years, promoting women’s leadership in ministry. Through her ministry, she provides support and care for homeless of all ages in Nelson. Reverend Ching has previously been a Trustee of the Nelson Tasman Pasifika Community Trust.
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CORBAN, Mrs Rosalind Meronea (Ros)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to nursing.
Mrs Ros Corban (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri) has been a nurse for more than 60 years.
Mrs Corban spent over half of her career at Tokoroa Hospital. She held many roles, including Ward Charge Nurse in Paediatrics and Night Charge Nurse in the Accident and Emergency Department. She oversaw the general and maternity wards, ensuring a continuity of care across departments. She provides palliative and end-of-life care to terminally family members, friends and others in her community, enabling patients to remain in their homes. She has mentored and trained countless nurses, mentoring student nurses from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology through practical placements. She supports international nurses through their applications to work in New Zealand. She visits her patients after they have been discharged to help with household tasks, arranges transport home from hospital, and provides food for former patients in hardship. She continues to work as a nurse at age 81 in her role as Clinical Nurse Leader at Rangiura Aged Care Home in Putararu. Mrs Corban oversaw Ranguira Aged Care Home’s change to integrated digital software and digital medication administration.
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CRAIG, Mr Grant Neville
The King’s Service Medal
For services to rail heritage.
Mr Grant Craig is an expert on New Zealand’s rail heritage and has contributed to increasing tourism in Otago.
Mr Craig joined New Zealand Railways in 1979 and held many positions including Ranfurly Station Master, where he fostered his interest in recording railway history. In 1999 he became Operations Manager at Dunedin Railways (formerly Taieri Gorge Railway), where he managed a complex system and the number of passengers almost tripled. During his tenure, he supported women to pursue careers in railways operational jobs, which was uncommon at the time. He has volunteered with the Otago Railway and Locomotive Society since 1978, Dunedin Gasworks Museum since 2001 and has been President of the Otago Vauxhall Owners Club since 2012. He was an early member of the Otago Excursion Train Trust and became Deputy Chair in 2020. Since 2011 he has chaired the Federation of Rail Organisations of New Zealand (FRONZ), providing guidance for the growing number of heritage rail-based groups and liaising with KiwiRail and the New Zealand Transport Agency regarding safe operation of railways. He has reinvigorated FRONZ’s Heritage Technical Committee and Heritage Operating Committee. Mr Craig actively advocates for the Taieri Gorge Line as a significant Dunedin historic asset and tourist attraction, as well as the promotion and preservation of wider New Zealand rail history.
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DONALDSON, Mr William Alexander (Bill)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the construction industry and cricket.
Mr Bill Donaldson has contributed to the Southland building industry and community cricket for more than 50 years.
Mr Donaldson is founder and Managing Director of Donaldson Construction Services. He has led the construction of significant public, commercial and civic developments in Southland, including the Southland Hospital redevelopment, the St Mary’s Basilica restoration, and the Southern Institute of Technology. He has been involved with Site Safe New Zealand since its establishment, becoming one of only five people awarded a life membership to the organisation. He ensured all staff and contractors receive advanced site safety training, and maintained the Gold Level SiteWise accreditation for over a decade. He contributed to the Otago Southland Construction Health and Safety Liaison Group, where he encouraged industry leaders to collaborate on construction safety initiatives. He has been involved with Southland cricket for more than 50 years in governance roles, administration and as a former player. He served as President of Appleby Cricket Club and President of the Southland Cricket Association. He co-authored Appleby Cricket Club’s centennial commemoration book ‘Across the Centuries’, and compiled records for more than 1,200 matches dating from 1900. Mr Donaldson was awarded Life Memberships of Southland Cricket Association and the Appleby Cricket Club.
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FLETCHER, Mrs Joy
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the community.
Mrs Joy Fletcher has been an active contributor to the Picton community for more than 40 years, volunteering in many capacities.
Mrs Fletcher was a librarian in Picton for 31 years and currently runs the Library’s vital literacy outreach Housebound Service, delivering books to house-bound senior citizens. She was heavily involved with the Picton Drama Club, volunteering as Theatre Manager, Treasurer and Secretary, and overseeing all aspects of hosting around 10 shows per year. She has served as both Secretary and Treasurer of the Picton RSA, and has been instrumental in sustaining the Club’s memberships through financial hardship. She organises the annual Poppy Day, the ANZAC Day Dawn Parade, and is Quiz Mistress for weekly RSA fundraising quiz nights. She was on the sub-committee for the Armistice Day 2024 commemorations. She contributes to the Picton Flower Ladies, making corsages and posies to welcome visiting cruise boat passengers. Mrs Fletcher was until 2026 the regional editor of the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association newsletter 'Wheel-E-News', and helps organise and host rallies for the Association.
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FORD, Mr Edward Keith (Ted)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the dairy industry.
Mr Ted Ford has served the Appleby community over 36 years as a volunteer firefighter and is a prominent member of the Jersey farming industry.
Mr Ford was an inaugural member of the Appleby Volunteer Rural Fire Force in 1988 and was instrumental in its transition to a Fire and Emergency New Zealand Volunteer Fire Brigade in 2017. He worked as a training coordinator and vehicle and equipment coordinator. He has had a long involvement with the Nelson Agricultural and Pastoral Association, becoming Vice President in 2018, and President from 2019 to 2021. He continues to serve as a committee member, focusing on the care and maintenance of the Association’s 100-acre park. He has volunteered with local and national Jersey groups, and is a Jersey New Zealand Regional Ambassador for the Upper South Island. He was a committee member for the planning and presentation of the Top of the South New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. He was Chair for the Top of the South Agricultural Industry Training Organisation, and offered training on his farm to develop cadets' practical and theoretical farming knowledge. Mr Ford was Chair of the Appleby School Committee from 1985 to 1987 and continues to support the school with educational farming visits.
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GOW, Mrs Mary Catherine
The King’s Service Medal
For services to music.
Mrs Mary Gow is a concert pianist who has contributed to music in the Wellington Region and overseas.
Ms Gow is the organiser of the Mulled Wine Concerts, a group which has the objective of bringing classical and jazz music to audiences in Kāpiti and the Wairarapa and encouraging young people to participate in and appreciate this music. Since 2006, Mulled Wine Concerts has organised 120 concerts featuring mainly classical and some jazz musicians. The concerts are widely advertised and well received, with admission prices kept as low as possible, enabling audiences to enjoy first rate music without the costs of attending events in Wellington city. After completion of degrees at Victoria University of Wellington, she studied piano and chamber music at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, later residing in the Belgian capital where she had a successful career performing and teaching music, before returning to New Zealand in 2006. Ms Gow continues to be responsible for putting on two significant concerts there: the Brussels Carol Concert and a Children's Concert featuring The Snowman. Both events have supported Belgian medical charities for many years.
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HOUKAMAU-NGAHEU, Mrs Rangi Kahuna (Pania)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the community.
Mrs Pania Houkamau-Ngaheu (Ngāti Porou, Tūhoe) is Māreikura (matriarch) of Horouta ki Poneke Marae and has held a leadership role with the Marae for more than 40 years.
After assuming the role of manager in 2011, Mrs Houkamau-Ngaheu led the two-year renovation of Horouta Marae, repairing the meeting house, installing a commercial kitchen, and starting a medicinal garden. She works with recruits at the Royal New Zealand Police College, mentoring senior Police officers and welcoming new recruits to Horouta Marae at the beginning of their 20-week course. She supports the Māori Wardens to work alongside the New Zealand Police. She led a relief response following Cyclone Gabrielle, establishing a team of volunteers in Porirua to collect, process and freight donations to affected people on the East Coast. In 2013, she facilitated the care of 80 people who had been evacuated from their homes due to a firearm incident. In 2020, she was involved in efforts to support Wellington’s homeless population to have somewhere safe to stay for the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown. Mrs Houkamau-Ngaheu served as Chair of the Porirua Vikings Rugby League Club, providing governance and practical support for 16 years.
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JUNE, Mrs Dianne Kay
The King’s Service Medal
For services to wildlife conservation.
Mrs Dianne June (Ngāti Pāhauwera), together with her husband, Mr Selwyn June, have dedicated more than 40 years to the conservation of New Zealand’s endemic wildlife.
Mr and Mrs June established the Waikato Hauraki Conservation Fund in 2021 to create a long-term source of funding for conservation work in the region. They have been involved with the Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society (PRS) since the early 2000s. They have held several offices with PRS and contributed to species protection projects. Notably, with PRS they established predator control in an area of the Pureora Forest, vital to the continuation of the Okahukura project, which saw the successful reintroduction of Kōkako to Mount Pirongia. Since the project was established in 2015, they have organised multiple rat-baiting events annually which has maintained pest levels in the area low enough to support Kōkako breeding. These events involve up to 70 volunteers and provide opportunities for Waikato University science students. They fundraise to cover accommodation, bait and other costs for these events. Their work has seen the Kōkako population grow from 22 pairs in 2012 to more than 90 pairs currently. Since 2024 Mr and Mrs June have expanded their predator control work to the nearby Pikiariki forest area where they are coordinating work to protect the native bats and other endangered native species.
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JUNE, Mr Selwyn Robert
The King’s Service Medal
For services to wildlife conservation.
Mr Selwyn June, together with his wife, Mrs Dianne June, have dedicated more than 40 years to the conservation of New Zealand’s endemic wildlife.
Mr and Mrs June established the Waikato Hauraki Conservation Fund in 2021 to create a long-term source of funding for conservation work in the region. They have been involved with the Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society (PRS) since the early 2000s. They have held several offices with PRS and contributed to species protection projects. Notably, with PRS they established predator control in an area of the Pureora Forest, vital to the continuation of the Okahukura project, which saw the successful reintroduction of Kōkako to Mount Pirongia. Since the project was established in 2015, they have organised multiple rat-baiting events annually which has maintained pest levels in the area low enough to support Kōkako breeding. These events involve up to 70 volunteers and provide opportunities for Waikato University science students. They fundraise to cover accommodation, bait and other costs for these events. Their work has seen the Kōkako population grow from 22 pairs in 2012 to more than 90 pairs currently. Since 2024 Mr and Mrs June have expanded their predator control work to the nearby Pikiāriki forest area where they are coordinating work to protect the native bats and other endangered native species.
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KATES, Mr Graeme Lawrence
The King’s Service Medal
For services to conservation and the community.
Mr Graeme Kates has played a significant role in the protection of native biodiversity in the Arthur’s Pass region for more than 31 years.
In 2003, Mr Kates privately funded extensive stoat and rat traps within the Bealey Valley, a conservation initiative which led to the foundation of the Arthurs Pass Wildlife Trust (APWT). With the APWT, he undertook initial work to protect the Great Spotted Kiwi in the Arthur’s Pass National Park, where his subsequent research and data collection led to improved knowledge of the species. He helped install 106 kilometres of trap line and coordinates the volunteers that service them, resulting in over eight thousand predator species caught within the Arthur’s Pass National Park. He created and maintains a website that updates the public on track and mountain conditions, weather stations and webcams within Arthur’s Pass National Park. As an experienced mountaineer, he wrote 'Arthur’s Pass: A Guide for Mountaineers', published by the New Zealand Alpine Club. He voluntarily controls invasive weed species, and is largely responsible for the eradication of lupins in the Bealey Valley. Mr Kates also volunteered for Arthur’s Pass LandSAR, and served for more than 29 years with the Arthur’s Pass Volunteer Fire Brigade, including five years as Fire Controller and 17 years as Deputy Fire Controller.
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KUMITAU, Ms Vaitoelau (Vai)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the Niuean community.
Ms Vai Kumitau is a respected elder in the Niuean community, providing cultural support and guidance to families and students, particularly in Dunedin.
Ms Kumitau is a leader in the effort to revitalise Niuean culture and Vagahau Niue (the Niuean language), using storytelling, songs and community events to help younger generations connect with and celebrate their heritage. She has worked alongside the Vagahau Niue Trust to organise activities during Niuean Language Week, elevating the visibility of Niuean culture at a regional level. She is a founding member of the Pacific Trust Otago, whose work benefits all Pacific communities in the Otago region. She supports researchers to contextualise Niuean artefacts in museum collections, ensuring cultural narratives are accurately represented. She supports scholarship students studying at the University of Otago and Knox Theological College by providing practical support and preparing traditional Niuean meals to ease homesickness. She has been the Niuean elder of the Pacific Islands Presbyterian Church in North Dunedin since its establishment in 1992, where she mentors youth and supports Niuean theological students and their families. In 2024, Ms Kumitau was among 50 influential Niueans honoured as part of the Niue 50th Constitution Day Celebrations in Auckland.
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MANSON, Ms Margaret Jane (Jane)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the community.
Ms Jane Manson has contributed widely to her local community, primarily through involvement with St Stephens Church in Tamahere.
Ms Manson created the monthly Tamahere Country Market in 2004, which attracts 20,000 visitors annually with more than 100 stall holders. Since its inception, she has led the voluntary group that organises and runs the market, with a portion of the revenue generated used to maintain St Stephen’s Church and its community outreach. Since 2007 she has voluntarily served as a Board member, and in 2019 was appointed Chair of Mahi Mihinare Anglican Action, where she works to assist vulnerable members of the community through social services and support. She has been the Church liaison on the Tamahere Community Committee since 2008 and helped establish two shelters for the local bus stops. She led the Tamahere-Woodlands Heritage Committee, working with mana whenua to create a heritage board depicting both Māori and early settler history in Tamahere, and a board explaining Māori history adjacent to the Te Awa Cycleway underpass. In 2024 Ms Manson received the Waikato District Mayoral Community Award.
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MARCROFT, Mr Brian Lewis, JP
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the community.
Mr Brian Marcroft has dedicated more than 60 years of voluntary service to the Ngāhinapōuri and surrounding districts.
Mr Marcroft joined the Ngāhinapōuri Hall Society in 1964, overseeing the hall's rebuild, fundraising and reconstruction, and continued to serve on the Committee for many years after. He has held a range of governance roles in organisations supporting his community, including serving as Trustee of Stewart Reid Memorial Park since 1974, an organiser of the Farm Labour Scheme, a committee member of Ngāhinapōuri Federated Farmers, serving on the Dairy Committee for 35 years, and the Ngāhinapōuri School Committee for 13 years. He was an inaugural member of Waikato Deer Farmers Association, holding various positions over 25 years. He is a Life Member of Te Awamutu Vet Club. His involvement in local sport includes 10 years as a committee member of Northern Districts' Cricket and he is a Life Member of the Ngāhinapōuri Golf Club, Cricket Club and Waikato Eagles Society. Mr Marcroft has been a Justice of the Peace since 1999, and in recent years formed the Mangahia Catchment Charitable Trust, through which he is involved in creating a walking and cycling track for the community.
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MARTIN, Mr Leigh, JP
The King’s Service Medal
For services to brass bands.
Mr Leigh Martin has contributed to brass bands across New Zealand for more than 50 years.
Mr Martin began his musical career in 1974 with New Plymouth City Brass. He achieved his Licentiate of Trinity College London with distinction in 2005 on Double B-flat Tuba (BBb). He has been the national BBb Bass champion twice in 1992 and 1996 and has secured numerous regional titles and podium finishes at national competitions. He was Musical Director of New Plymouth Brass from 2010 to 2018 and the National Secondary Schools’ Brass Band in 2018 and 2019. He co-founded the Christmas at the Bowl Trust, which helped to transform a small informal concert into large annual community event attracting audiences of more than 15,000 people. He was instrumental to the founding of Rolleston Brass in 2019. He has been a committee member of the Brass Band Association of New Zealand (BBANZ) since 2023. He has represented New Zealand internationally with the National Band of New Zealand and the New Zealand Army Band, competing in the World Music Contest and performing in various international tattoos, including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Mr Martin was recognised with Life Membership of BBANZ in 2022.
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MILLER, Mr Brent Le Roy
The King’s Service Medal
For services to hockey.
Mr Brent Miller has made a significant and sustained contribution to the development and success of hockey on Auckland’s North Shore.
Mr Miller began his playing career with Birkenhead Hockey Club in 1957 and later joined Takapuna Hockey Club, where he is a Life Member and was President from 2006 to 2025. He played a key role in merging the Takapuna men’s and women’s clubs in the early 1990s, strengthening the club’s future. He competed for North Harbour at every National Masters Tournament since 1999 and was selected for New Zealand Masters teams from 2007 to 2026. His has served 30 years with the North Harbour Hockey Association (NHHA), including roles as President and Board member. He was recognised as a Life Member of NHHA in 2011 and of Hockey New Zealand in 2025. As a qualified accountant, he has provided financial leadership, strategic advice and philanthropic support, including helping fund upgraded hockey turfs. He has supported elite hockey as principal sponsor of the Trident teams in the Premier Hockey League in 2024 and 2025. Mr Miller’s governance roles include Chair and member of the Harbour Hockey Charitable Trust Board, Deputy Chair of the Hibiscus Hockey Trust, and President and Chair of the Greenhithe Tennis Club, where he is also a Life Member.
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MORRISON, Mrs Marlene
The King’s Service Medal
For services to swimming administration.
Mrs Marlene Morrison has volunteered to support the growth of swimming in Canterbury and New Zealand for more than 40 years.
At grass roots through to regional level, Mrs Morrison has been a staple of competitions from organising meets through to announcer at national meets in Canterbury for 10 years. She is a Trustee of the Wharenui Swimming Club, having been Secretary from 1996 to 2010 and President from 2011 to 2017. She organised the Wharenui Junior and Winter Olympics Swim Competition for nearly 20 years, two of the top-level events for junior swimmers in the South Island. She was on the Management Committee of Canterbury-West Coast Swimming for 19 years, carrying out various roles including Officials Convenor and Selector. She was regional delegate to Swimming New Zealand annual meetings and workshops. She was elected to the Swimming New Zealand Awards Committee from 2013 to 2021. She has been a keen fundraiser and a Trustee from inception for the Doreen Brown Trust, which distributed funds for under-privileged children to learn to swim, remaining involved until it was disestablished. Mrs Morrison was recognised as a Life Member of Swimming New Zealand, Wharenui Swim Club and Canterbury-West Coast Swimming, and has received Swimming New Zealand service awards.
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MORTLAND, Ms Elizabeth Anne
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the community.
Ms Elizabeth Mortland has made significant community contributions since the 1980s, particularly in Taihape.
Ms Mortland has initiated more than 20 groups or services in Taihape, most notably the Rangitikei Environment Group and Taihape Older and Bolder. She has supported and promoted Older and Bolder, which provides outings and activities, companionship, and support for seniors. She initiated Te Roopu Wāhine Aroha to assist Māori women to pursue further training. She was a manager of the Taihape Community Development Trust from 2009 to 2018, supporting numerous community projects, including organising Taihape’s annual Gumboot Day. She established the New Zealand Boot Throwing Association, which joined the International Boot Throwing Association. She attended three World Boot-throwing Championships in Italy and Finland, earning gold and silver medals with the New Zealand team, and organised the 2019 World Champs held in Taihape. She spent three years as a Volunteer Service Abroad volunteer in Vanuatu helping advance women’s issues. In 2007 she coordinated the 10th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women and the 3rd Pacific Ministers Meeting on Women for the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in Noumea. She was twice a member of the regional Community Organisation Grants Scheme Committee, helping Taihape and Rangitīkei community groups with funding applications, networking and support. Ms Mortland is currently the coordinator of Taihape Neighbourhood Support.
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NAUS, Ms Johanna Elisabeth (Hanny)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to seniors and rainbow communities.
Ms Hanny Naus is a social worker contributing primarily to elder abuse and neglect prevention and advocacy.
Ms Naus has been the Age Concern New Zealand Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Professional Education since 2013 spearheading practice development and support for workers, and working directly with professionals and those with concerns over individuals at risk. She has trained healthcare providers, law enforcement, financial advisors and community volunteers to ensure elder abuse is understood across sectors. She has had advisory roles with changes to legislation and processes, including working with the family and sexual violence sector with an elder abuse lens on the national strategy for preventing family and sexual violence Te Aorerekura, the Whaimana – Support My Decisions project, and with the Human Rights Commission. Her work has extended to rainbow elders (Takatāpui), providing advice since 2022 to Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura to support community research and subsequent advocacy. She supported grassroots initiatives in Southland to strengthen advocacy and support for older Takatāpui and rainbow communities. Ms Naus is a Life Member, and past Board member of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers and previously worked with disabled people through IHC Greater Wellington, ABI Rehabilitation, and Hutt Valley District Health Board.
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NOBLE, Mr John Patrick
The King’s Service Medal
For services to residential care.
Mr John Noble and his wife Patricia Noble established a long-term residential care facility for adults with severe and complex physical, psychological and behavioural issues in 2001, which has grown to include seven total houses.
The facilities, under the banners of Solway Trust and Solway Vision, are family homes with around six or seven residents plus staff, located in rural areas and designed to help residents feel secure and happy in a family setting. Residents are included in the local community, attending local markets, shopping trips and other outings based on interest, with individual residents being taken on trips one at a time with an accompanying staff member. Mr and Mrs Noble have remained actively involved as hands-on directors. When an unaffiliated care facility was closing, at short notice Mr and Mrs Noble took seven residents requiring care into their own home for three months while another house was located and furnished to facilitate a transfer.
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NOBLE, Mrs Patricia Mary
The King’s Service Medal
For services to residential care.
Mrs Patricia Noble and her husband John Noble established a long-term residential care facility for adults with severe and complex physical, psychological and behavioural issues in 2001, which has grown to include seven total houses.
The facilities, under the banners of Solway Trust and Solway Vision, are family homes with around six or seven residents plus staff, located in rural areas and designed to help residents feel secure and happy in a family setting. Residents are included in the local community, attending local markets, shopping trips and other outings based on interest, with individual residents being taken on trips one at a time with an accompanying staff member. Mr and Mrs Noble have remained actively involved as hands-on directors. When an unaffiliated care facility was closing, at short notice Mr and Mrs Noble took seven residents requiring care into their own home for three months while another house was located and furnished to facilitate a transfer.
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PITCHER, Mr Ralph Edward
The King’s Service Medal
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.
Mr Ralph Pitcher has served the Whangamatā community for more than 60 years.
Mr Pitcher has been a volunteer firefighter since 1965, still actively serving as part of the Whangamatā Fire Brigade. He assisted with major equipment and building changes to the Brigade, and has mentored generations of firefighters. He is founding member, President, and committee member of the Moana House retirement home, where he was integral to the completion of the Wilson Wing Hospital, and five low-cost housing cottages for pensioners. He has served for more than 48 years with the Whangamatā Lions Club, including 15 years as President. He served on several committees and manages the Charitable Trust responsible for dispersing funds to community organisations. He is Trustee of Lions Investment Golf Club, committee member of the Williamson Golf Club and was involved in the establishment of Titoki Golf Club. He was a volunteer ambulance officer, and later became Chair of St John’s Whangamatā Ambulance Service. He was a committee member of the Whangamatā Club for 15 years. He was President and was founding member of the Whangamatā Sports Centre and Squash Club, contributing significantly towards the Club’s redevelopment. Mr Pitcher volunteers as a Meals on Wheels driver.
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PRICE, Mrs Alison Helen
The King’s Service Medal
For services to music education.
Mrs Alison Price has been a music teacher for more than 25 years and Head of Music at Wakatipu High School since 2001.
Mrs Price became Head of Arts Learning at Wakatipu High School in 2023, having developed a music department of excellence over the years from an underdeveloped position of few resources. Her students have achieved regionally and nationally, winning multiple gold medals at South Island jazz competitions over 20 years, and successes in the Smokefree Rockquest and Play It Strange competitions. She has accompanied the jazz band to annual South Island competitions for the past 25 years. She co-founded the Lakes Music School, now Turn up the Music Trust (TuTM) in 2014, which offers after school music tuition for children. She has championed and co-directed programmes offering subsidised lessons, instrument access and ensemble opportunities to make music accessible. TuTM has grown to support more than 300 children learning across 14 instruments, with a team of 26 teachers. Locally, she has supported her students in Rock Formation Trust events, jazz festival performances and other concerts or festivals, boosting the Queenstown music scene. She created the Play. Music programme for primary teacher development in 2020. Mrs Price has trained teachers, organised school visits by musicians and designed curriculum that integrates music with literacy and numeracy.
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RATTAN, Mrs Vijeshni, JP
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the community.
Mrs Vijeshni Rattan is a community leader and educator who has held several governance roles in regional groups the promote and preserve Hindu culture.
Mrs Rattan is Principal of the Wellington Hindi School, where she has volunteered for more than 15 years teaching around 80 young students and leading a team of 10 teachers. She has led initiatives to grow the school, including teaching online classes. She mentors students and teachers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they are connected to their heritage. She is the Wellington chapter President of the Hindu Council, where she promotes cultural awareness and ensures cultural traditions are embraced by younger generations. She organises major cultural events in the Wellington region, including Holi, Raksha Bandhan and Diwali. She was integral to the establishment of the New Zealand Hindu Women’s Conference. She is an Executive Member of the Fiji Association, and actively mentors immigrants from India and Fiji to help them settle in their new communities. She is the Hindu representative on the Wellington Interfaith Council, and contributes to multifaith events and faith education outreach programmes. Mrs Rattan is a Justice of the Peace, serving communities in the Hutt Valley.
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RAYNER, Mr William Wynyard (Bill)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to seniors and cultural heritage.
Mr Bill Rayner (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine) has advocated for seniors in New Zealand for more the 25 years and has contributed to the heritage sector.
Mr Rayner was President of Grey Power North Shore for 14 years and is currently Vice President and a Life Member. He was the Auckland representative to the Grey Power Federation National Board in 2024, after serving as National Treasurer. He was integral to the establishment of the Auckland Council Seniors Advisory Panel. He worked closely on the Haumaru partnership between Auckland Council and the Selwyn Foundation to ensure affordable housing for older people was retained, and on the introduction of the Auckland Transport SuperGold HOP Card for senior travel. He was on the Auckland Council Heritage Advisory Panel for many years and was a founding Board member of the Museum of Transport and Technology, continuing his involvement in various roles for 25 years. He served a term on the Board of the International Association of Transport Museums. He advised the Ministry of Culture and Heritage on technical heritage issues and was a member of the Te Papa National Services Sector Standards Advisory Panel. He has been involved with many local heritage organisations, particularly the Devonport Museum. Mr Rayner served on the Ngāti Kahungunu Asset Holding Company Board and the Iwi Board.
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ROBERTS, Ms Norma Lynne
The King’s Service Medal
For services to early childhood education.
Ms Norma Roberts has contributed more than 50 years to advancing early childhood education and community wellbeing in New Zealand.
Ms Roberts began her career in education at Wellington Teacher’s College in 1975 and has taught across a number of kindergartens in the Wellington region over a 40-year period. She was the Manager of the Upper Hutt and Rimutaka Kindergarten Associations from 1995 to 2013. She has been General Manager of Hutt City Kindergartens since 2019, where she has contributed to research projects to strengthen teacher practice and improve the quality of early childhood education. She contributed to professional development as a committee member of Organisation Mondiale pour l’Éducation Préscolaire from 1995 to 2000. From 1999 to 2009, she was a Member of the Care and Protection Panel for what was Child Youth and Family Upper Hutt. She is a member of advisory groups for Victoria University of Wellington and Te Rito Maioha from 2005 and 2010 respectively. She was a Board member of Aubert Childcare and Home of Compassion Childcare from 1999 to 2010 and is a current Board member for New Zealand Kindergartens (NZK). Ms Roberts was recognised as a Life Member of NZK in 2025.
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SELVAKUMAR, Dr Shanthi
The King’s Service Medal
For services to migrant and refugee communities.
Dr Shanthi Selvakumar has been a dedicated physician and a strong advocate for migrant women and children affected by domestic violence for more than three decades.
In her private practice, Dr Selvakumar provides free medical care to victims of abuse and those facing severe financial hardship. Through the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council New Zealand, she leads medical missions across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, running free clinics and providing essential medication to vulnerable populations. She has committed to extensive community advocacy, volunteering for more than 20 years with Shakti ethnic women's refuge, becoming its Chairperson in 2019. She champions the safety of families fleeing violence and helps migrants settle in New Zealand. She contributed to a Ministry of Social Development publication for the ‘It’s Not OK’ campaign, raising awareness around domestic violence in marginalised communities. Beyond medicine and social work, she is a Carnatic musician and orchestra conductor. As a founding member of the New Zealand Carnatic Music Society, she was instrumental in establishing music exams in partnership with India and regularly organises music and dance fundraisers. Dr Selvakumar was awarded a Kiwibank Local Hero Award in 2018 in recognition of her sustained commitment to community service.
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SPRAGG, Mrs Miriam Josephine
The King’s Service Medal
For services to barbershop singing and music administration.
Mrs Miriam Spragg has dedicated more than 25 years of voluntary service to women’s barbershop singing in New Zealand.
Mrs Spragg has overseen the design, sourcing, manufacture and custom fitting of costumes for up to 140 singers for the Christchurch City Chorus since 2000. She has managed the logistics for the Chorus and supporters for several international competitions between 2007 and 2024 in the United States, coordinating accommodation, rehearsal spaces, transport and meals for groups of up to 180 people. With Sweet Adelines New Zealand, she was Events Coordinator from 2008 to 2015, Chair of the Regional Convention from 2010 to 2015, and Convention Facilities Coordinator from 2018 to 2023. She ensured the annual conventions ran smoothly and that international judges have been well hosted. She was Sweet Adelines New Zealand Membership Coordinator from 2019 to 2023. She has also represented New Zealand, assisting with the organisation and running of conventions in Calgary and Winnipeg. Mrs Spragg received the Region 35 Spirit of Sweet Adelines Award in 2018 for her service.
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TANKERSLEY, Mrs Lynette Vera (Lyn)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to community welfare.
Mrs Lyn Tankersley has been working to improve the lives of people facing hardship in the Wairarapa for more than 25 years.
Mrs Tankersley contributed 25 years of service to the Masterton Foodbank, including 22 years as coordinator. During this time, she oversaw an increase in foodbank distribution from seven parcels a day to, to supporting around 165 households a week. She led a team of volunteers to create Shelter Masterton, converting a vacant church hall into a day shelter for Masterton’s homeless which offers hot meals, showers, couches and a laundry facility. She is a local Civil Defence coordinator, and worked closely with Civil Defence during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the needs of the homeless were being met. In 2020, she helped develop and became the voluntary coordinator of Project Manaaki, a transitional housing development for the homeless, which also helps find pathways for its residents towards permanent housing and employment. She was heavily involved in the establishment of Kim’s Way, a night shelter providing emergency accommodation for up to 13 men and women, including those living with alcohol and drug dependency. Mrs Tankersley was a manager of Healthy Homes Wairarapa, an organisation that delivers subsidised or free insulation to low-income homes.
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TODD, Mr Frederick Rolland (Roland)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to Parliament.
Mr Roland Todd has worked for the New Zealand Parliament for 31 years, predominantly in the role of Speaker’s Assistant.
Mr Todd began working for Parliament as a messenger in 1995 and took up the role of Speaker’s Assistant in 1999, remaining in that position until the present. He provided vital support for eight Speakers in that timeframe, from Sir Douglas Kidd to The Right Honourable Gerry Brownlee. He has supported Speakers to perform essential constitutional functions in the debating chamber, enabling Speakers and other presiding officers to focus on the debate, while he has kept track of time, questions asked and who has spoken during debates. Mr Todd has been a trusted figure, earning the respect of successive Speakers, and has been well regarded for his institutional knowledge by colleagues in the Office of the Clerk.
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WALKER, Mr Noel Christopher
The King’s Service Medal
For services to Scouts and the community.
Mr Noel Walker and his wife Mrs Sue Walker have been involved with Scouts for 50 years in Otago and Te Anau.
Mr and Mrs Walker have been co-directors of the Otago Gang Show since 1980, reviving the event from near closure and maintaining the biennial show’s reputation as a vibrant, professional community production until the present. The show involves more than 70 youth performers and more than 100 volunteers from the Otago and Southland regions. He has been Group Leader of Te Anau Scout Group since 1989 and Western Southland Scouts Zone Administrator since 2003. They led the drive to build a $350,000 modern, fit-for-purpose Scout Facility for Te Anau, opened in 2016. He joined the New Zealand Scouts National Board in 2007 and was Chair from 2011 to 2015, leading implementation of a modern programme that continues to benefit Scouts across the country. They were involved with the Te Anau Kepler Challenge Mountain Run for 28 years, as founding committee members instrumental to organising the event from 1989 to 2000, and as race commentators from 1991 to 2015. Mr and Mrs Walker wrote the book ‘Calling them Home’ for the 25th anniversary of the event, which supports the local economy and supports distribution of around $20,000 to local charitable organisations annually.
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WALKER, Mrs Susan Ellen (Sue)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to Scouts and the community.
Mrs Sue Walker and her husband Mr Noel Walker have been involved with Scouts for 50 years in Otago and Te Anau.
Mr and Mrs Walker have been co-directors of the Otago Gang Show since 1980, reviving the event from near closure and maintaining the biennial show’s reputation as a vibrant, professional community production until the present. The show involves more than 70 youth performers and more than 100 volunteers from the Otago and Southland regions. She has been Assistant Group Leader and Cub Leader of Te Anau Scout Group since 1989, and was Western Southland Scouts Zone Training Leader from 2003 to 2024. They led the drive to build a $350,000 for a modern, fit-for-purpose Scout Facility for Te Anau, opened in 2016. They were involved with the Te Anau Kepler Challenge Mountain Run for 28 years, as founding committee members instrumental to organising the event from 1989 to 2000, and as race commentators from 1991 to 2015. Mr and Mrs Walker wrote the book ‘Calling them Home’ for the 25th anniversary of the event, which supports the local economy and supports distribution of around $20,000 to local charitable organisations annually.
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WALMISLEY, Mr Jonathan Christopher, MBE
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the Coastguard and Search and Rescue.
Mr Jonathan Walmisley has contributed to the Coastguard Wānaka Lakes Unit and the Wānaka community.
Mr Walmisley began volunteering with Coastguard Wānaka Lakes in 2011, serving many roles including as President since 2014, Training Officer and Skipper. He has led the unit through a large transformation, including a purpose-built facility, new vehicles and an increase in active members. He spearheaded raising more than $1 million in five years to establish the Marine Rescue Centre, providing a dedicated training room for volunteers, a storage and maintenance area for the Coastguard Rescue Vessel and an incident response room monitored by trained volunteers. Since the centre opened in 2022, the unit’s response times have improved. He facilitated the formation of a joint Incident Management and Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) team to ensure a permanent coordination centre, enhancing the safety of all lake users and coastguard volunteers and increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome for rescue operations. He has worked alongside New Zealand Police to facilitate SAR exercises. He was on the Board of Coastguard Southern Region, serving as President for two years. He was a member of the Royal New Zealand Coastguard Board from 2018 to 2020. Mr Walmisley has been Senior Instructor for Coastguard New Zealand since 2016, and an Instructor for NZSAR since 2018.
HONOURS
- Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division), UK Queen’s Birthday 1987
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WEBB, Mrs Kathleen Margaret (Kathy)
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the community.
Mrs Kathy Webb has contributed substantially to community service organisations locally in Tauranga and nationally.
In 1988 Mrs Webb, was part of a small group that chartered the Tauranga Zonta Club. In 2012 she co-founded SociaLink, an organisation that supports the community sector with training, development and advocacy. She led SociaLink’s learning and networking events, produced regular newsletters and maintained the organisation’s website. During her decade with SociaLink, she grew the organisation to become one of the largest regional bodies of its kind in New Zealand. She was appointed Patron of SociaLink in 2024. She was Trustee and Board Chair of Alzheimer’s Tauranga and organised the annual Brain Busters fundraising quiz. She was awarded Honorary Life Membership from Alzheimer’s Tauranga in 2017 and in 2018 became a Board member for Alzheimer’s New Zealand. She was a Board member for the Graeme Dingle Foundation from 2012 to 2016, where she made a significant contribution to the organisation’s strategic direction. She joined the Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise in 2011, is currently Secretary, and joins the teams that organise community fundraisers. Mrs Webb is Chair of Western Bay of Plenty Neighbourhood Support, leading a network of 14,500 homes.
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WESTGATE, Mr Stephen Leonard (Steve), JP
The King’s Service Medal
For services to the community.
Mr Steve Westgate has contributed more than 50 years of volunteer service in Northland.
Mr Westgate was a Board member of the Northland Chamber of Commerce in the 1980s and was pivotal in bringing a natural gas pipeline to Whangārei. He has been an advocate for road safety and roading matters, serving with the Northland Road Safety Trust and holding governing positions in both the New Zealand Automobile Association (NZAA) Northland District Council and the NZAA’s National Council. He has contributed towards responsible land and pest management while serving with the Northland Conservation Board, the Northland Branch of Forest and Bird, the Bream Head Conservation Trust and Friends of Matakohe-Limestone Island Society. In 2006, he was appointed to the Northland Regional Transport Committee to represent Environmental Sustainability, combining his interests in both the environment and roading matters. From 2008 to 2013, he chaired the Stock Effluent Disposal Committee that developed a series of stock effluent disposal sites throughout Northland. He has been a Justice of the Peace for 39 years and was an active member of the Whangārei South Rotary Club for 37 years, including a year as President in Rotary’s centennial year of 2004 to 2005. In 2022, Mr Westgate received a Whangārei District Council Civic Award.
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WRIGHT, Mr Lindsay Gordon
The King’s Service Medal
For services to rural communities and mental health.
Mr Lindsay Wright established and led mental health initiatives for rural people, helping break down the stigma of mental health in farming communities and highlighting the importance of open conversations.
Mr Wright was a founding member of the Southland Rural Support Trust (SRST), where he served for 18 years in many governance roles, including Coordinator and Chair. He was the SRST representative for Farmer Mental Wellness Group, later the Rural Health Network. He has advocated for funding that supports rural mental health services. He led the SRST response to the September 2010 snowstorm, where every affected farmer in the region was visited and provided with support packages. He worked alongside Civil Defence and the Ministry for Primary Industries to assist rural communities in response to many other adverse events, including droughts, the 2020 Southland floods, and the outbreaks of Bonamia ostreae and Mycoplasma bovis. He assisted on an after-hours support line to help farmers and their families in times of crisis. He arranged coffee carts and barbeques to encourage farmers to leave their farms and meet neighbours. He co-instigated and ran the GoodYarn workshops, providing a mental health literacy programme aimed at strengthening resilience and helping rural people respond to stress. Mr Wright was a Director of Community Trust South from 2013 to 2018.