Civic Honours awards were presented to:
Jack Shailer – Joining St John in 1970 after attending a first aid course for work, Jack has been in the service of the community and St John ever since.
The longest serving St John member in the region and almost as old as the organisation itself, he has experienced a lifetime of community service with St John.
Starting as ‘sand bug’ – a first aid worker on the rugby fields of club rugby matches in the Horowhenua – Jack made headlines early on in his first aid career, saving the life of a Foxton player who swallowed his tongue after being tackled.
After 16 years, Jack retired from the rugby fields and being a ‘sand bug’, however this wasn’t to be the end of his St John involvement.
Jack spent countless hours attending a raft of sporting fixtures as a first aider, including the annual powerboat racing on the Manawatū River, motor cross and horse race meetings.
When St John took over running the ambulance service from the hospital board in 1993, Jack took charge of the Horowhenua Region.
In 2005 Jack was duly awarded a Life Membership of the St John Central Region. To this day Jack remains actively involved, he keeps St John’s historic records and continues to chair the fellowship group.
Judith Sayer - ‘The jewel in the crown’ of the Shannon community is how Judith Sayer has been described.
Widowed at an early age with a young family did not stop Judith launching into mothering the Shannon community.
Judith has been involved with various community organisations, from Plunket mothers and the Plunket Society to being President of the Girl Guides Association, a Brownie Leader and involved with Scouts.
For over 50 years Judith has faithfully served the Shannon community carrying out various volunteering achievements.
Judith was a parent helper at Shannon School and although she no longer has children at the school, she now plays a prominent role with the gardens. The children flocking to her when she is there being clear testament to what a beautiful jewel she is.
Over the years Judith has willingly committed her time and energy to many organisations within the Shannon community such as the Shannon Play Centre, Shannon Progressive Association, Meals on Wheels and the Shannon Railway Station Museum and Visitor Centre, never once expecting recognition for what she does or has done. Today she is recognised.
Judith Hunt - Judith’s community involvement is wide and varied ranging from the Foxton Little Theatre, Levin Croquet Club, Foxton Garden Club and All Saints Church, to name but a few.
Judith has held many roles within the All Saints Church including Lay Minister, People’s Warden, Chair, Secretary, cleaner, gardener and even driver for those who are not able to transport themselves. Judith was instrumental in revamping the Church Op Shop over 12 years ago and is still at the helm today. Another task Judith has undertaken is delivering meals-on-wheels as well as being the go-to person for the food bank.
Judith has been a volunteer at the Foxton Little Theatre for over 40 years regularly supporting productions in backstage roles and assisting where she can, such as with catering and gardening.
The Levin Croquet Club has also benefited from Judith’s service as a qualified umpire, past president, club captain and secretary.
Judith has held every position within the Foxton Garden Circle and was instrumental in donating and planting natives along the Board Walk and at Victoria Park in Foxton. She has also been involved with the Keep Foxton Beautiful Society as secretary and organiser of many garden competitions. Judith was awarded a Keep NZ Beautiful Chairman’s Excellence Award in recognition of her contribution in 2008. She continues to be a member of Horowhenua Forest and Bird Society.
Jennifer McGrath - A lifetime of tirelessly working in our community, generously giving her time, resources and assistance to others, best describes Jenny McGrath.
Jenny grew up and was educated at Levin School and Horowhenua College, and spent much of her life working in our community, later retiring in Levin.
Involved in the Levin RSA, she has held the positions of Welfare Officer, Chair of Fundraising, Women’s Section, Air Force Association and all matters concerned with the operation and wellbeing of the local branch.
Jenny has made a significant contribution for the past 25 years on the RSA Poppy Day Appeal. Providing morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for the collectors with her sumptuous helpings of meatballs, curried sausages and sandwiches.
Jenny has given long and immeasurable service to the ‘Wahine’ musical group as a talented performer, conductor, and director - always giving a polished and professional performance.
Jenny is an integral part of the Horowhenua community and truly is a worthy recipient having given time and energy over a long period of time, displaying passion and attitude whilst doing so.
Pam Good - Pam is well known as a Primary School teacher in the Levin area serving for 30 years as a teacher, including 5 years as a reading recovery teacher and 14 years as a Deputy Principal. Pam retired in 2009 and today continues as a much loved relief teacher in local schools.
Pam became involved with Supergrans, now Skills 4 Living, in 2014 taking over the role of chairperson in 2015 and she remains today. Pam has made a significant contribution to the on-going viability of this community service provider with her tenacious advocacy. Pam is described as a collaborative and supportive board member and leader who has an absolute belief in doing right by and for the community. She is ‘wahine toa’ – a strong woman.
Pam has been an Eastern & Central Community Trustee for the past 8 years and is a long serving Trustee of the Levin Adventure Park spending the last nine years as Chairperson. She is a strong advocate for this wonderful facility, organising and promoting its use throughout the community. Pam is continually working to ensure the ongoing development of the park leading many enhancements which often requires researching the latest most innovative equipment and sourcing funding. Pam’s focus is always on the advancement of the park and most importantly, the enjoyment of park users.
Pam has provided voluntary support and assistance to the Levin Rotary Club for over 17 years undertaking executive roles as a board member and as Club President. She continues to facilitate and interview applicants for Rotary Youth Leadership Scholarships, helps organise fashion shows for the “Grandparents raising Grandchildren” fund, as well as providing dictionaries and books to local schools.
Having strong connections across our district and an ability to build relationships and foster networks, this is something Pam has done selflessly for numerous committees and groups. Pam has provided, and continues to provide, a long and valued service to our community. She is a modest and unassuming person, with a strong will to succeed, and succeed well, in everything she does.