Pauline May
We are delighted to present a Civic Honour to Pauline May for her exceptional commitment and tireless service to the Ōhau Community.
Pauline has been an invaluable member of the Ōhau Hall Society, serving as both committee member and secretary over many years. Her dedication to preserving and enhancing the historic Ōhau Hall which is almost 125 years old, is truly remarkable. For the past 14 years, Pauline has worked tirelessly to garner community support for the hall, which stands as a cherished gathering place. In 2022, with the community’s backing, Pauline successfully raised $60,000 for a much-needed new roof, ensuring the hall’s preservation for future generations.
Each month, the Ōhau Market takes place at the hall, providing a vibrant setting for locals to come together, sell produce, and connect as part of this close-knit rural community. Pauline’s dedication has also brought concerts featuring New Zealand entertainers to the hall, delighting the community and enriching the local cultural scene.
Recently, Pauline has taken on a significant project to document the stories of the residents of Ōhau in a book that will celebrate the hall’s 125-year history. This effort will honour the legacy of the hall and its role in the lives of those in the community. Her energy and creativity have also fuelled a variety of other events, including a Garden Trail, ANZAC Day commemorations, a fashion parade, and numerous fundraising activities—all of which strengthen community bonds and provide memorable experiences for residents.
Pauline’s leadership and dedication have played an essential role in the ongoing vitality of the Ōhau Hall and Community.
Congratulations, Pauline, and thank you for your outstanding contribution to Ōhau and the wider district.
Levin Citizens Advice Bureau
Levin Citizens Advice Bureau has been operating in Levin since May 1974, celebrating 50 years of dedicated service this year. Citizens Advice Bureau serve the Horowhenua community by providing free and confidential advice to anyone who requires it, assisting people to know and understand their rights and obligations and providing people with the confidence and support they need to act in their own circumstances.
The Levin CAB is entirely volunteer-run, with approximately 20 dedicated individuals contributing their time each week. These volunteers bring diverse skills and experience from various backgrounds, enhancing the support CAB can offer. In addition to their community work, volunteers manage day-to-day operations and pursue grants to sustain the Bureau’s services.
Volunteers address a wide array of issues, including complex matters such as immigration, housing and tenancy, employment, neighbourhood disputes and family conflicts. They provide information about where to go for budgeting advice and help, as well as assistance with completing forms and phone enquiries.
In addition, CAB has a Justice of the Peace service available on a Monday and legal advice is available at no cost from rostered local lawyers. Volunteers undergo comprehensive training prior to assisting on the desk and are trained to listen, ask questions, be respectful of clients and help them find a solution to a problem.
The Levin CAB volunteers provide an invaluable service that supports the wellbeing and resilience of our community. We extend our gratitude to each volunteer for their selfless dedication to the people of Horowhenua. Your commitment has truly made a difference over the past five decades.
Roger Nichol
It is with great pleasure that we honour Roger for outstanding service for over 43 years, to the Waitārere Beach Community and the wider Horowhenua District.
Roger and his family moved to Waitārere in 1982, and shortly after, he joined the Waitārere Volunteer Fire Brigade to connect with locals. Supported by his employers in Levin and Foxton, Roger was able to respond to calls throughout the day whenever needed.
Over the years, Roger progressed through every rank: from Recruit and Firefighter to Senior Firefighter, Station Officer, Senior Station Officer, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, and, for the past 10 years, Chief Fire Officer—a role from which he recently retired.
The dedication required to advance through these ranks included countless volunteer hours beyond regular callouts and weekly training sessions. To become Deputy Chief and Chief, Roger completed Executive Officer training courses and interviews with the New Zealand Fire Service. As Chief Fire Officer, he oversaw station and engine maintenance, coordinated medical and staff trainings, prepared callout reports, and managed the Annual General Meeting, officer elections, area meetings, and operational group trainings, among many other responsibilities.
Roger’s quiet, humble nature has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community. He has been a mentor and role model to new recruits, his calm demeanour masking the passion and energy he brings to everyone he meets. His care for each volunteer in the Waitārere Brigade is exceptional, with his team’s wellbeing always at the forefront of his mind.
Beyond the Brigade, Roger has also supported many Waitārere Beach community groups, including the Waitārere Beach Progressive & Ratepayers Association, Waitārere Volunteer Beach Wardens, Scouts, Levin Waitārere Surf Lifesaving Club, and Waitārere Fishing Club.
Roger, you are held in the highest regard within the community. We thank you for your many years of unwavering service. Congratulations, and may your legacy inspire future generations.
Whaea Piki McFadyen, Whaea Ani Watson and Whaea Reverend Sissiel Henderson
It is with great pleasure that Horowhenua District Council awards a Civic Honour to Whaea Piki, Whaea Ani and Whaea Reverend Sissiel in recognition of your outstanding contribution to the communities of Foxton, Shannon, Levin and the wider district, through the lens of faith, whānau, hapū, iwi and community.
Revered as the ‘Tokotoru Tapu’—the sacred three—you bring healing, strength, and a spirit of responsiveness wherever you go. Known and cherished as three graceful kuia, you have touched the hearts of people young and old with openness and compassion, offering your support without judgment or expectation. Tirelessly, you have responded to the needs of all, guided by the belief that ko te mea nui, ko te aroha—the most important thing is love.
With discretion, respect, and humility, you quietly accomplish meaningful work. You don’t make big announcements, you just ‘get on and do it’. These qualities, combined with your many years of voluntary work and dedication to others, inspired the Te Awahou Māori Women’s Welfare League to nominate you for this award. Heartfelt letters of support from schools, organisations and Foxton people accompanied your nomination.
Your long-standing involvement with local schools has touched the lives of countless rangatahi. You have been there for pōwhiri, kapa haka, special occasions and whenever called upon. Rangatahi have had the privilege of hearing your stories, feeling your warmth, and learning the waiata you’ve shared. You have enriched the lives of those around you through leadership, strength, and through upholding your cultural values.
Through the kaupapa of the Māori Women’s Welfare League, you have empowered many Māori women, supporting them and their whānau in realising their dreams and aspirations.
Whaea Piki, Whaea Ani and Whaea Reverend Sissiel, we thank you for your selfless dedication to others and your invaluable contributions that have enriched many lives across our district.
Congratulations on this well-deserved award.
Ka nui te mihi aroha ki ā koe mo tō aroha me to tohua i tuku atu ki te hapori.