Hunterville woman Maureen Fenton was shocked when she heard she'd been awarded the Queen's Service Medal for service to the Hunterville community.
"I think it's wonderful. I'm so pleased for Hunterville, because we're such a little place with so few people. It's time we got an honour in Hunterville. I think there have only been three people before me to get a Queen's Service Medal."
Mrs Fenton has lived for 40 years in the small Rangitikei town, where she was a councillor for nine years on the Rangitikei District Council for the Hunterville Ward.
Then she continued for many years afterwards on the Hunterville Community Committee, she said.
"I've always been a community-minded person. I like to be busy and help my community. I think staying busy is very good for you, and it keeps you young."