Queens Birthday honours
Local residents have won some much deserved recognition in this year’s Queens Birthday Honours list.
Professor Martin Devlin of Waikanae has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to business, leading the MBA programme at Massey University over a number of years.
A whole generation of business leaders have learnt from Professor Devlin, and he also helped create New Zealand Business Week for secondary school students to take part in.
Daphne Luke from Otaki has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her work in the local community, particularly with Maori businesses.
Ten years ago Daphne established the Te Arahanga o Nga Iwi, which helps Maori businesses in Kapiti and Horowhenua develop their planning and infrastructure.
She also founded Te Ropu Pakihi as a networking body, which has more than 500 people involved. As part of their good work, every two years they organise and run the local Maori Business Awards.
It’s great to see these two local residents recognised for the support and encouragement they have given to business. It recognises just how important it is to the community to have entrepreneurs doing well, creating jobs and helping New Zealand earn a living.
Anyone can nominate an individual for these awards, and as local MP I’m happy to write a letter in support of a nomination. You can find more information at http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours or contact one of my offices in Levin (06 367 9110) or Paraparaumu (04 298 2906).
Another Kapiti local has been recognised recently, with New Zealand's next Governor-General, Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae, having been knighted by the Queen in London.
Sir Jerry will be sworn in as Governor-General on 31 August, the next step in his glittering career after previously serving as Chief of the Defence Force.
It’s great that both of our local councils also hold annual civic award ceremonies to recognise champions in the community.
We are lucky to have so many people who make fantastic local contributions, more often than not in a voluntary capacity.