Talk to anyone about Val Brett and you’ll find she was known as particularly diligent and organised, an irrepressibly ‘no-nonsense’ contributor to her community.
The late Val Brett is believed to be the first woman elected as president of a New Zealand RSA. Photo: supplied
What is probably less known is the fact that Val, who died recently aged 84, was believed to be the first female president of any New Zealand RSA. The former Royal New Zealand Air Force servicewoman held the reins at Te Kuiti’s RSA twice – once from 2005 to 2010, and again from 2012 to 2018, and was awarded a life membership.
While 2005 might seem relatively recent for a woman to have filled the top slot, it speaks to the norms long associated with returned services organisations in many countries.
Val’s contribution was said to have been well beyond duty. Even when struggling with illness in later years, she ensured all RSA members in the area were being well looked after, and for as long as possible she remained proactive in helping with Anzac Day and Poppy Day arrangements.
Such was Te Kuiti’s regard for her, that Val was among six residents honoured by the Waitomo District Council in 2021 when she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The citation noted her ‘outstanding community focus’ through her involvement in community projects and initiatives that made a significant difference in the district.
It noted her 30 years’ involvement with the RSA and said: “Attention to detail and making sure things were done the right way is Val’s speciality, and over her years of service, Val has been an important mentor for many members of Te Kuiti RSA, particularly the younger generation.”
Val Brett during her early air force years. Photo: supplied
Val’s daughter Michelle Freebairn said her mum had been a widow for many years having lost her husband Dave Brett to an accident in 1985. Val moved to Te Kuiti after that, purchasing a house then bravely sitting and passing her driver’s licence at age 48 and buying her first car.
Val went on to work at various outlets, including Te Kuiti Craft Supplies, Mayfair Dairy, New World, Waitomo News, as well as for the NZ Census and local body elections. She also volunteered for years at the citizen’s advice information centre, and more recently was a regular volunteer at second-hand shops.
“She was passionate about handcrafts, and dabbled in most things,” said Michelle, “including patchwork, knitting, crochet and sewing, but embroidery was her passion.”
Dave Brett’s father, the late Reg Brett, was well known in Ōtorohanga for the many years he devoted to Hato Hone St John – so much so that one of the town’s parks, the Reg Brett Reserve, carries his name.
Val and Dave met at a dance in Hamilton and married in 1962. Dave was the drummer in a band called The Jayaires, and Val joined as a vocalist. They played at dances around the King County during the 1960s and 1970s.
Former Waitomo District Mayor Brian Hanna, who was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, said he had been saddened to hear of Val’s passing.
“I shared a long association with Val when I was Waitomo mayor and Val was RSA president. She took her role very seriously and wanted everything well planned and well organised for the annual Anzac Day commemorations.
I occasionally got a telling off if that didn’t happen, or I suggested something different,” he said. “Val was a passionate RSA president, and I considered her a good friend.”
Val Brett singing, centre. Photo: Supplied
