Putting people first

INSPIRING: Georgina Kingi has influenced many young people in her role as principal of St Joseph's Maori Girls College.

It's all too easy to become wrapped up in ones-self these days.

There's Facebook pages to update with interesting snippets, witty one-liners on Twitter and glossy images to post on Instagram.

A lot of time goes into creating the perfect online persona. It's quite self indulgent really and it's becoming the norm - especially for those under 30.

Today's paper feature a group of people who are anything but self-indulgent. They are a group of people who put other people first.

Generally they are unassuming people - who haven't gone seeking the limelight or recognition.

But their work in the community has not gone unnoticed.

Georgina Kingi, QSO, is the matriarch of the St Joseph's community. She has influenced thousands of young girls and pointed them in the right direction as they make big decisions on the direction of their life.

She told Hawke's Bay Today that Maori and Catholic values underpin how the school operates and gives is special character but many would say that it is, she that is crucial that special character.

The St Joseph's Maori Girls College will be made a Dame companion for services to Maori and education. She is one of just three women in New Zealand to be made a Dame in the New Year's honours.

Riley Ellis, is another who has had a significant impact on thousands of people.

As mayor of Tararua District for six years he endeavoured to improve lives of those in his community by encouraging economic development and more jobs for the region.

He was "humbled" to be appointed an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Ross Brown was also humbled to be made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He spent 18 years in the principal's chair at Napier Boys' High. He too helped guide thousands of young boys as they developed into young men.

Mr Brown summed up how he, and many of our honours, go about their work.

"I never say 'me' or 'my' instead it is 'us', 'we' and 'our'."

They are part of team, always looking out for others.

An inspired way to live your life.

I hope our younger community members switch off their devices long enough to realise what great role models we have in our own backyard.