It was back in 1938 when Hugh Treadwell's father took him to the Rangitikei A&P; Show to show his stud Romney sheep that a lifelong interest was born.
That was 74 years ago and to this day Mr Treadwell has gone to the A&P; Show (now the Taihape A&P; Show) every year and has been deeply involved with both the Taihape A&P; Association and its parent organisation the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand. He also has a keen interest in health and became involved in health issues in Taihape, working to raise funds for the local rest home and trying to lure doctors to work in the town.
He receives a Queen's Service Medal for his services to the community.
Mr Treadwell said he was a little embarrassed about the honour.
"I haven't done what I've done my whole life to get a gong."
Mr Treadwell has been president of the Taihape A&P; Association and is now its patron. He has also been president of the Royal Agricultural Society.
He is an honorary life member of both organisations and has also written a history of both.
As a board member and chairman of Ruanui Charitable Rest Home in Taihape, Mr Treadwell helped raise more than $1 million to leave the trust debt-free upon his retirement. Since retiring to Taupo he has also been a trustee of Lake Taupo Hospice Trust, helping raise tens of thousands of dollars for the organisation.
