Local given ‘rare and prestigious honour’
After a lifetime of service to the community, local Ngaire McIntosh has been granted what is being called a ‘‘rare and prestigious honour’’ bestowed upon only a few.
She has been given life membership of the Taupō Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) Women’s Section.
The life membership was presented by RSA (Taupo) women’s section president Diane Wilson
McIntosh has been a member of the women’s section for 43 years, during which time she served two terms as president. Currently, she holds the position of patroness and vice-president.
She and her husband, Graeme, moved to Taupō in
1979 to take over the town’s sole funeral business, Taupō
Funeral Services, which still belongs to the family.
Her father was in the Home Guard, while her grandfather served as a baker in WWI before succumbing to the influenza pandemic.
Joining the RSA in 1980 was an opportunity for McIntosh and her husband to meet new people, and they were invited to become members.
McIntosh described her first term as the Women’s Section president in the 1980s as a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience.
She was proud to have been a part of the organisation’s expansion during her sevenyear tenure. The Taupō Women’s Section had close to 160 members at its peak during that time.
Although the camaraderie among the women was a significant factor in the organisation, the welfare of veterans and their families always remained their top priority.
Wilson praised McIntosh ‘s invaluable contributions to the organisation.
McIntosh’s knowledge of the rules and regulations, which were continuously changing at the national level, had helped the women’s section stay on track in its efforts to serve veterans and their families, Wilson said.
Her knack for keeping the members ‘‘on the straight and narrow’’ had been particularly useful.
McIntosh had been a driving force behind the breakfast and lunch events that were part of Anzac Day commemorations, which attracted more than 300 attendees every year, Wilson said. She said the members of the women’s section were the unsung heroes who ensured that the RSA functioned smoothly.
McIntosh recalled how the group of about 12 women would start working at 5am to prepare breakfast, and then a clean-up crew would move in.
After that, the lunch crew would take over, with about 500 meals being served at one stage.
The work would finish around 9pm. The work was demanding, but McIntosh enjoyed it.
At present, the Taupō RSA Women’s Section has about 43 members, with 20-25 women attending meetings depending on the season.
Although the group may seem small, it is one of many throughout New Zealand that continues to serve veterans and their families.
Wilson said the life membership was a testament to McIntosh’s unwavering commitment to the organisation and its purpose.
Through her dedication and hard work, Ngaire had made a significant contribution to the welfare of veterans and their families, and her efforts would be remembered for years to come.