Heralding the often unheralded
The best thing about the New Year Honours List is the recognition it gives to people who do great things in their communities but whose efforts often go unheralded.
Of course it is always interesting to see which Kiwi luminaries are made Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit - an honour that comes with the distinguished title of knight or dame.
This year they were bestowed on former politicians Annette King and Georgina te Heuheu, All Black great Bryan Williams, retired judge Douglas White, tikanga adviser Rangimarie Naida Glavish, fashion designer Denise L’estrange-corbet and Maori Heritage Council chairman John Clarke.
Their service in their respective fields has been significant and it’s doubtful many would question the choices. But only a few Kiwis would have had meaningful encounters with them.
Those awarded lesser honours, however, often have the privilege of dealing directly with the people in their communities who they are helping, representing or entertaining.
This year four people from the the wider Manawatu¯ region have been recognised - river engineer Allan Cook, walking track advocate Ian Argyle, mediator Virgina Goldblatt and Pacific community leader and scientist Palatasa Havea.
These people have made a clear difference in the Manawatu¯ community. Their efforts have had an impact on many people and are no less impressive than the feats of those receiving knighthoods or damehoods.
Cook was the lead responder during the 2004 floods and played a major role in the development of safeguards after the disaster. The much-loved Sledge and Arapuke Forest tracks might never have come into existence without two decades of tireless work and advocacy from Ian Argyle.
Educational and family disputes throughout our region might have gone on without resolution if not for the work of Virginia Goldblatt. Havea is a man of many talents but perhaps his most impressive feat was helping young people in the Pacific community develop leadership, literacy and numeracy skills.
All four likely never set out to become leaders but gradually assumed such positions through their dedication and passion for the Manawatu¯ community. They all now have a well deserved and tangible reminder of their impressive work to go along with the gratitude of the people whose lives they have touched.