Northlanders officially given New Year honours

Joan Howse with seven month old great-granddaughter Aurelia Howse, who made the trip from Brisbane. Photo/John Stone

Kamo woman Joan Howse never thought her countless hours of volunteering would ever culminate in a Queen's Service Medal.

Howse was presented with her medal by Whangarei mayor Sheryl Mai for services to women and the community in an investiture ceremony in the Whangarei council chambers yesterday .

"I didn't think years ago it would end up like this. It's been a wonderful day."

Around 30 people, including family members and representatives from the various organisations Howse has been involved with were on hand to witness the special ceremony.

Four other Northlanders received their honours in Auckland last week.

Northland Rescue Helicopter pilot Peter Turnbull with Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy after being made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Photo/Supplied

Northland Rescue Helicopter Service pilot Peter Turnbull was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to aviation while business leader Vern Dark was made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to business and education.

Business leader Vern Dark was made a member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to business and education. Photo/Supplied

Opua identity Myra Larcombe and Tomarata woman Kathleen Isobel Greenwood both received Queen's Service Medals for services to swimming and the community respectively.

Myra Larcombe received her Queen Service Medal from Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy. Photo/Supplied

Also in the Queen's New Year Honours were Dargaville firefighter Gary Murdoch, who was awarded a QSM for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and Waipu paracyclist Fiona Southorn, who was made a MNZM for her services to sport, particularly cycling. Both will received their awards in Wellington later this year.

Kathleen Greenwood was awarded a QSM for services to swimming and the community respectively. Photo/Supplied

Hapu leader Russell Kemp was made an ONZM for services to Maori. He died in January, shortly after receiving his honour.