St John members from around the district were celebrated at Sunday’s Waipā and King Country Service Awards ceremony in Te Awamutu.
Cambridge’s Karen May receiving her five-year service award from Gary Salmon, chair of the Regional Honours Committee, with Waipā District Mayor Susan O’Regan looking on. Photo: Viv Posselt
Recipients were commended by Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan for their years of service to St John.
She said the awards represent more than just time served, but also countless hours given freely, shared compassion and a steady commitment to community.
Celebrating 10 years of operation and $2.8 million for St John are the Te Awamutu Op Shop team. They are, back from left, Christine Peterson, Sandra Breedt, Sharlaine Marshall, Gail Corboy, Jan Balsom, Ces Heron, Sondra Cleaver and Lynne Levis. At front is op shop manager Jan Hoskin, left, and Michell Bluett. Photo: Viv Posselt
O’Regan made mention of the Te Awamutu Op Shop which is marking its 10th year in town, commending those involved for their loyalty and hard work.
She said the service it provided to the community, ‘in terms of the circular economy and helping prevent waste going into landfill’, was invaluable.
Some of those who were awarded their Service Medal at the ceremony. They are, from left, Cynthia Harfoot (Cambridge Health Shuttle), Jan Balsom, Mike Farrant (Cambridge Health Shuttle), Michell Bluett, Gail Corboy, Sharlaine Marshall and Jan Hoskin. Photo: Viv Posselt
The annual awards acknowledge service given to the Order of St John, both paid and voluntary, and 2025 recipients came from Te Awamutu, Te Kuiti, Ōtorohanga, Cambridge, Putaruru and beyond. Presenting them was Gary Salmon, who is chairperson of the Central Region Trust Board and chair of the Regional Honours Committee.
After a welcome by deputy chairperson of the Te Awamutu Area Committee and Waipā King Country Regional Board member, Richard Hurrell, guests were addressed by Ross McGowan, chairperson of the Te Awamutu Area Committee.
A delighted Karen May from Cambridge walking back to her seat after receiving her five-year award. Photo: Viv Posselt
He also commended those involved in the running of the Te Awamutu Op Shop, and said the outlet had contributed $2.8 million to St John and the local community over the 10 years it has operated.
“There have been around six staff volunteering their time each day, amounting to 64,700 hours over 10 years. It’s a great facility for St John and for our community.”
Thirty-eight members were presented with a service certificate and badge for having completed five years’ service with St John. The Service Medal of the Order, awarded to those with 10 years’ service, was presented to 22 recipients. Seven members were presented with their first bar to the Service Medal for completing 15 years’ service and eight were presented with their second bar for 20 years’ service.
Two members, Sharon Abernethy of Te Awamutu and Nita Brown of Taumarunui were awarded a third bar for 25 years’ service.
Waipa District Mayor Susan O’Regan with Sharon Abernethy, who is one of just two recipients of a third bar for 25 years’ service to St John. Abernethy is a Te Awamutu Area Committee member who has previously served as an ambulance officer, area executive officer, training tutor, community carer and fleet administrator. Photo: Viv Posselt
Te Kuiti’s Ketrina Allen was awarded her second bar for 20 years’ service. She is Te Kuiti Area treasurer, a member of the Waikato Youth District Project team, and a Member of the Order. With her is her husband, Stephen Allen. Photo: Viv Posselt
Richard Hurrell, deputy chairperson of the Te Awamutu Area Committee, welcomed the crowd. Photo: Viv Posselt
The St John Youth colour party go through their drill before Rev Dr Jonathan Holland at the end of the presentations. Holland is a member of the Central Region Trust Board, chairman of the Palmerston North Area Committee and a St John Chaplain. Photo: Viv Posselt
