Tracey Chatterton: Singing the praises of the selfless

Napier's Neil Edmundson

There is some truly inspiring stuff in today's paper.

Four Hawke's Bay people and three with links to the Bay have been named in the 2016 New Year Honours.

Reading their profiles reveals they are certainly worthy recipients.

One thing they all share is passion - for their chosen sport, art or work. And through this our community benefits.

Determination and dedication are the other two characteristics that our honour recipients carry. And of course they're humble.

It was Napier's Neil Edmundson's determination against nay-sayers that led to the creation of the international standard artificial turfs being built at Park Island in Napier in 1990. He has been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hockey.

William (Bill) Bly, a former Mayor of Tararua, joins him as a Member.

He considers the award to be recognition for his work following his mayoralty, such as introducing the Relay for Life to New Zealand. The honour belongs more to the people who helped him along the way, he says.

Carol Seymour had a similar response to receiving a Queen's Service Medal for her contribution to the Takapau community - saying her husband Ray was more deserving. They've spent years running camps for the blind and for cancer children.

Mary Davies was also awarded the medal for her service to music - having taught people to play the piano for more than 40 years. Her biggest reward, would be seeing her pupils continue with their music for years to come. None of these recipients asked for recognition - they simply followed their passion and shared it with the community.