Collins Comments

Happy New Year!

I hope you’ve all had a safe festive season and enjoyed spending time with your families and friends. I enjoyed spending quality time with my family, catching up on odd jobs around the house, cooking, gardening, long walks on the beach and watching Venus Williams court-side at the ASB Classic Tennis Tournament.

At this time of year I’m always inspired by New Zealanders recognised on the New Year’s Honours list. Congratulations to Papakura’s recipients – Peter O’Brien, Murray Kidd, Glyn Powell and Mervyn Ah Chee who have each been awarded the Queen’s Service Medal.

Peter O’Brien QSM has contributed to a number of boards over the last 30 years as well as contributing to the establishment of the Auckland Energy Consumer Trust in 1993. He also took a year off work to volunteer as the International Year of the Disabled South Auckland Co-ordinator in 1981. He has been awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community.

Murray Kidd QSM is passionate about giving youth access to similar experiences he gained after a career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, spanning 24 years. Since then he has run, supported and contributed to a number of youth organisations and is a trustee of the Highwire Trust in Redhill. He has been awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community.

Glyn Powell QSM took on the project of restoring a World War II De Havilland Mosquito as part of a group of Warbird enthusiasts at Ardmore, however when the group realised how much was involved, Glyn completed the task singlehandedly. After decades of work the fighter was launched in September 2012. Glyn has been awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to aeronautical heritage preservation.

Mervyn Ah Chee QSM has been catering since the 1960s and has been involved in a range of community groups and associations. Since retiring in 2004 Mervyn’s community work has increased and amongst other projects, he helped raise $106,000 for Totara Hospice South Auckland. He has been awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to hospitality and the community.

Our nation is enriched by your contributions and on behalf of our local community, I acknowledge your efforts.

The Papakura Community has a generous spirit and I know there are many more of you working to make Papakura a great place. If you would like to nominate a fellow New Zealander for a Royal Honour you can visit http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours for more information.

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