Civic Honours awards were presented to:
Mary Davis
Mary Davis has been a driving force behind community sport, heritage and cultural events in Horowhenua for over four decades. Her involvement began in the early 1980s through Horowhenua hockey, supporting her children on the original grass fields at Donnelly Park. From that early connection, Mary quickly became an indispensable volunteer and leader within the local hockey community.
Mary served as Secretary of the Horowhenua Hockey Association and has remained actively involved long after her children and grandchildren stopped playing. She was instrumental in the development of Levin’s first artificial sand turf in 1999 and the construction of the two-storey Hockey Pavilion at Halliwell Turf – famously completed in just 24 hours to host an international test match.
As a long-standing Trustee of the Horowhenua Sports Turf Trust,
Mary’s grant-writing and fundraising skills have secured hundreds of thousands of dollars for uniforms, coaching clinics, turf maintenance, and the day-to-day running of hockey operations. Her quiet, behind-the-scenes dedication has earned her the affectionate title “Mrs Hockey.”
Mary’s commitment extends well beyond hockey. She has been a long-serving Secretary of the Horowhenua A&P Association and the Levin Vintage Machinery Club, where her leadership has ensured the ongoing success of the annual Harvest Festival. Through diligent coordination, meticulous record-keeping, and a tireless work ethic, Mary has enabled these events to thrive, preserving local heritage and strengthening community connections.
Mary’s contribution is characterised by humility, reliability, and a steadfast commitment to service. She quietly identifies what needs doing and ensures it is done to the highest standard, securing funding, coordinating events, and supporting volunteers without ever seeking the spotlight.
For her decades of voluntary service, her enduring commitment to hockey, heritage, and community life, and her lasting impact on generations of residents in Horowhenua, we recognise Mary Davis with a Civic Honour for Service to the Community.
Jeffrey Paulin
Jeff Paulin is a remarkable volunteer whose dedication, reliability and generosity have made a lasting impact across the Horowhenua community. His work spans multiple organisations, sports, and cultural groups, reflecting a deep commitment to supporting others and strengthening the social fabric of the district.
At the heart of Jeff’s service is Te Whare Mahana Community Hub. Whether updating accounts, managing room bookings, assisting groups with funding applications, or facilitating collaboration between tenants, Jeff ensures the Hub operates smoothly and inclusively. Always on the lookout for new projects, he leads practical upgrades, runs workshops, and even bakes breakfast muffins for volunteers packing kai for the Horowhenua Kai Club. He brings both care and energy to all he does.
Jeff’s contribution extends widely into the local sporting community. He has been a valued volunteer and treasurer for the Horowhenua Hockey Association for many years, coordinating umpire appointments, mentoring officials, supporting tournaments, and volunteering at primary and regional hockey events. Similarly, he has assisted Manawatū Hockey and the Levin Tennis Club, contributing both on-court coaching and financial expertise.
For over a decade, Jeff has generously supported the Levin Performing Arts Society as Honorary Accountant, auditing annual accounts and providing expert guidance at no cost. He has also provided auditing and financial oversight for Fale Pasifika Horowhenua, ensuring compliance and transparency, enabling these organisations to continue their important work.
What sets Jeff apart is his quiet, dependable nature. He is often the first to arrive and last to leave, tackling behind-the-scenes work essential to community success. Beyond his skills, Jeff brings warmth, approachability and a genuine love for his community, traits symbolised by his trademark mismatched socks, a small reflection of his fun and approachable character.
For his decades of dedicated voluntary service, his unwavering support of community organisations, and the countless lives he has positively touched, we recognise Jeff Paulin with a Civic Honour for Service to the Community.
Wayne & Debra Kaye
Wayne and Debra Kaye have been steadfast pillars of the Levin Returned Services Association (RSA) and Community Club, demonstrating extraordinary commitment, leadership, and tireless volunteer service for over 15 years. Their dedication has been instrumental in ensuring the survival and growth of an organisation that has been a cornerstone of Levin for nearly a century.
Wayne, a member of the RSA since 1979, stepped forward as President in 2016 following a period of financial strain and declining membership. Under his leadership, alongside Debra and a committed team of volunteers, the RSA reopened, regained financial stability, and restored community confidence. He has overseen entertainment, events, and logistical planning for Poppy Day, ANZAC Day, Armistice Day, and other significant commemorations, increasing public attendance and engagement while upholding the traditions and values of the RSA. Always willing to pitch in, Wayne has contributed to every aspect of club life, from kitchen and bar duties to gardening and maintenance, embodying a hands-on commitment to service.
Debra Kaye has been the backbone of the RSA office for ten years and was recently appointed Office Manager and co-opted onto the Executive Committee. Her meticulous administration, dedication to memberships, and expertise in fundraising – including organising the popular Christmas raffle – have been vital to the RSA’s operations. She has also played a pivotal role in district-wide meetings and activities, ensuring their success and fostering strong community connections.
Together, Wayne and Debra have been described as a “formidable force” within the RSA, their combined efforts securing the club’s future and enriching the community of Levin. Their work has strengthened community engagement, supported veterans, and ensured that the RSA continues to be a place of service, fellowship, and remembrance for all.
For their exceptional dedication, leadership and voluntary service, we recognise Wayne and Debra with a Civic Honour for Service to the Community.