Locals invested with honours

Rotorua's Jill Nicholas, Jeffrey Percival, Katie Williams and John Chadwick, whose dedication to the community has spanned decades between them, have been honoured at investiture ceremonies at Government House in Wellington.

Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine Mateparae hosted six ceremonies at Government House Wellington this week.

Mr Chadwick was on his way back to Rotorua when he spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post about the ceremony he attended yesterday.

"It was a beautiful day. It was all a bit harrowing - when it was time to go up I was just hoping I wouldn't trip down the stairs.

"It was an interesting day for the sheer cross section of people being recognised at the ceremony."

Mr Chadwick was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Maori and the law.

Founder of the Kiwi Coffin Club, Katie Williams, was honoured at the same ceremony, accepting a Queen's Service Medal for her services to senior citizens and the community.

The retired nurse and midwife's voluntary work isn't limited to the coffin club. She's spent more than 10 years as a volunteer at Save the Children's retail outlet, helps out with exercise classes for those with arthritis, visits house-bound people, has served on the Arthritis Pool Support Group committee, supports Whare Aroha Home and Hospital, is volunteer convener for two U3A (University of the 3rd Age) interest groups and has previously helped at the Rotorua Community Hospice and Trade Aid.

She could not be reached for comment.

Scout leader Jeffrey Percival was honoured alongside retired All Blacks captain Richie McCaw yesterday.

"Having Richie there at the same time was certainly the icing on the cake.

"It was a fantastic day and everyone was made to feel at ease.

"It was an honour to be one in a group of people who have made huge commitments to their chosen fields. It was a positive experience and absolutely awesome."

Mr Percival was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to Scouting after being involved with the movement for half a century.

The Rotorua Daily Post's very own Jill Nicholas attended the last of the week's ceremonies today.

Mrs Nicholas said she was in awe at the amazing people New Zealand produced.

"I feel privileged to have been among some of the country's most fabulous people.

"I'll admit I was a bit tense the day before but when I got there everyone was so lovely."

She received her Queen's Service Medal for services to journalism and the community.

Ken (Heta) Hingston, who was made a Companion of the Queen's Service Order, will be honoured at a ceremony later this month.

Mr Hingston was awarded a New Year's Honour for his many years of service to Maori and the judiciary.