The very sad and unexpected passing of Jannye Freeman has caused me to reflect on the immense amount of voluntary service Jannye has rendered to the Whangaroa community, where she was born and lived for so many years before moving to Paihia.
Jannye was particularly determined topreserve the future of the old Post Office building in Kaeo when it was vacated by the postal service. This building is one of the last kauri-built old Post Offices remaining in New Zealand, and she was able to secure a long-term lease for its use as a home for the Whangaroa Museum and Archive Society. Jannye called me to ask for my assistance with her project to restore this very neglected but important historical icon of New Zealand.
Over time the Museum Society moved to other premises, but Jannye's determination to preserve that lovely old building was undimmed. She was determined that the Whangaroa community would not be deprived of its council service centre or library. She challenged council's decision to close these Whangaroa services down, and arranged for them to be retained and located in the old Post Office, from where they serve the community to this day.
We raised funds by means of grants from charitable organisations and carried out a comprehensive restoration, inside and out. Whenever you might be travelling through Kaeo, take a look at the magnificent kauri building opposite the fire station, and whisper a quiet "Thank you Jannye".
As if that was not enough, at the same time as being involved in that restoration project, Jannye was also the chairperson of the Whangaroa Health Services Trust, rendering free medical service to the community of Whangaroa.
Jannye was an accomplished archeologist and historian. She was never happier than when scratching around in a midden on behalf of the Department of Conservation, looking for anything that might prove something!
Too sudden and soon you leave us Jannye, but you will never be forgotten.
