The name Gordon Tietjens is not a strange one to most New Zealanders. The New Zealand sevens coach has been plying his trade with the national team since 1994 with remarkable success, and as a result he has become a household name.
In recognition of this, he will now beknown as Sir Gordon Tietjens. While the news he is to be knighted will capture national attention, there are six people on this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list who deserve equal praise. They live amongst this community, but just as importantly, for this community. They are local people who have directly touched the lives of many of us, our friends and our family.
Penelope Mason, Piri Sciascia, Kevin Kalff, Neil Hatcher, Eva Wright and David Withers are those six people.
They are the backbone not only of the local community, but the country and aside from their dedication to their respective work, they all seem to share a common characteristic - humility. Former Hawke's Bay Police Inspector Kevin Kalff chose to accept his Queen's Service Medal (QSM) on behalf of "the wonderful people of Napier" who worked with him and for him.
"Everyone I've worked with," he said, "is part of this - absolutely".
Penelope Mason received a QSM for her services to the Red Cross and said it was nice everyone in the Red Cross was being acknowledged.
Professor Piri Sciascia, for his services to Maori arts, said there were so many other people involved in the arts who deserved the same recognition as his honour afforded.
It is this selfless mindset which sets these six people apart. The role they have played in the community is commendable, but it is their humility which makes them honourable.
