Honoured for volunteer work
Peter Templeton has done countless hours of voluntary work in western Southland and on one occasion, he singlehandedly conducted a funeral service.
The deceased wanted Templeton’s master of ceremonies skills to liven up his funeral.
‘‘The guy was a non religious bloke and wanted a bit of humour in the service.’’
Volunteer work and organising fundraising events is a way of life for Templeton, who is supported by his partner Maryann Te Whenua.
Templeton’s parents were heavily involved in volunteer work in Tuatapere and encouraged him as a child to contribute also.
Templeton remembers at the age of 10 cutting thistles under outdoor seating at the Tuatapere Domain in preparation for the annual sports day.
‘‘I’d use hedge cutters. My brother, Errol, and I would do it for days,’’ Templeton, 71, said.
Last night, Templeton was honoured for his work when the Riverton Aparima and Tuatapere Community Boards presented him a community service award.
Templeton felt embarrassed when asked if he would accept the award six weeks ago.
‘‘I thought there were more deserving of it than me.’’
Riverton Aparima Community Board chairman Blair Stewart said it was a unanimous decision to honour Templeton.
‘‘He’s a worthy recipient of the award.
‘‘Peter’s always willing to help out with anything . . . he’s spent many hours outside the supermarket selling raffle tickets.’’
Templeton arranged for donated firewood to be the prize in many raffles. Western Southland organisations, facilities and individuals to benefit from money raised include St John, Riverton’s swimming pool, Colac Bay Progressive League and students travelling to events outside the province.
‘‘We’ve had trailer loads of wood donated,’’ Templeton said.
The septuagenarian has lived in Riverton for 30 years after residing in Tuatapere (30 years), Australia, Christchurch, Tokoroa and Invercargill.
During his 37 years at the Lorneville meat plant, Templeton ran a raffle there to raise funds to enable teenager Bobby Dowling to buy a new axe for wood chopping events.
Dowling is now one of New Zealand’s best axemen.
Templeton speaks about the history of western Southland, free of charge, at the Riverton museum and rest home. He was quiz master at fundraising evenings to generate money for a community Christmas tree in Riverton.
Office bearing positions currently held by him include Tuatapere Sports Day president and announcer, life member of the Southland and Otago Axemen’s Association and selector of the Southland and Otago Axemen’s team.
Templeton will always throw his support behind beautification and maintenance programmes in western Southland.
‘‘I’ve got a son, daughter-inlaw and grandchildren in Riverton and I want to keep the town right for them.
‘‘If you live in a community, you do your bit for it.’’
‘‘Peter’s always willing to help out with anything . . . Riverton Aparima Community Board chairman Blair Stewart