Pride of NZ: RSA stalwart's support to grieving

Janice Codlin has been volunteering at the Opotiki RSA for almost 20 years. Photo / Katee Shanks

Opotiki's Janice Codlin has no idea how many cups of tea she has poured since becoming involved in the town's Returned Services Association in 1996.

But there's been a lot.

Mrs Codlin has been nominated in the Community Spirit category of the Pride of New Zealand Awards.

According to the wife, mother and grandmother, Nola Savage managed to talk her into joining the RSA about 20 years ago.

"I started helping in the kitchen which eventually evolved into becoming the president of the association, a position I've been in forever," Mrs Codlin laughed. "But I don't mind."

In her role within the RSA, Mrs Codlin also organises funerals for those in the community who require them.

Her nominator said it was something most people would not like to think about, let alone tirelessly volunteer for.

"It can be difficult at times organising funerals for many of your friends in your neighbourhood but someone has to do it and she does it without a word of complaint and without expectation of acknowledgement.

"She is always there to make sure everyone is happy, as happy as you can be at a funeral, and is an important yet often overlooked pillar in her community."

But Mrs Codlin is quick to point out she is only one of a team of volunteers providing a service for Opotiki locals.

"We all do our best to make it as lovely as possible and to keep prices down as so many people are struggling these days," she said.

Asked if it was hard to organise funerals for friends and acquaintances, Mrs Codlin said she didn't know everyone. "After all, I've only lived here for 34 years."

Married to Stanley for 61 years, Mrs Codlin jokes her husband is often an RSA widower as she goes about her volunteer work.

Nominate our community's heroes
Can you help us find and celebrate our greatest ordinary Kiwis?
Together with our fellow NZME news organisations plus the TSB Bank we're now seeking nominations in the annual Pride of New Zealand Awards.

Nominations are open now and can be made until June 14 at the website www.prideofnzawards.co.nz.

Regional and national awards will be made in the following categories: Bravery and Heroism, Community Spirit, Fundraiser of the Year, Emergency Services, Environment, Lifetime Achievement.

If you know someone who works tirelessly in the community to improve the lives of others, nominate them today!