Pair extolled for work in city’s top job
Two of Wellington’s former mayors were honoured at Government House yesterday.
Fran Wilde, who held the mayoralty from 1992-1995, received the Dame Companion of the New Zealand Merit for services to the state and community. Celia Wade-Brown, who held the same position from 2010-2016, was awarded the Companion of the Queen’s Service Order for services to local government.
Wade-Brown was honoured to receive the investiture, and said: ‘‘I certainly don’t think this is a retirement present in any way.’’
‘‘A Companion of the Queen’s Service Order is a recognition that you’ve worked for the community, which is terrific,’’ she said.
It was particularly poignant because it was awarded 100 years after her grandfather was awarded a military cross.
Wade-Brown said there was no competition between her and Wilde, despite the pair having disagreements when she served under Wilde’s mayoralty.
‘‘We’ve had our different views on things but I’ve hugely respected her as well.’’
During the ceremony, Wade-Brown’s services to local government were outlined as both a councillor and mayor as well as her work as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival Trust, and her position as a founder of the New Zealand Internet Society.
Wilde was recognised for her time as an MP and her roles in local government, which began in the early 1980s. Her sponsorship of homosexual law reforms in 1986, as well as her contribution as chairwoman of several organisations and as a Waitangi chief crown negotiator were also highlighted.
Wilde and Wade-Brown were two of 138 people to receive investitures during six ceremonies conducted over the past week.