Jens and Karen Bukholt are humbled by their New Year honour and say they accept it on behalf of all those who helped with the many Wanganui community projects they have been involved with over the years.
The Bukholts were each named Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit for
their long-standing volunteer work with various organisations in the city.
This acknowledgement comes on top of the Queen's Service Medal they each received in 1989, again for services to the community.
The former Danish couple have made Wanganui their home since 1964 and their labours of love for community projects began with the Wanganui Boys' and Girls' Gym Club as well as the New Zealand Gymnastics Association.
Mr Bukholt has also been heavily involved with Hospitality Wanganui, the Polson Park Kindergarten and the Whanganui River Boat Paddle Steamer project. He was one of the early chairs of the River Boat Trust. He was also a founding member of the River City Jaycee Club.
Mrs Bukholt has been a volunteer reader in a programme set up at primary schools by the Wanganui Rotary Club and is a member of the Wanganui RSA Golden Girls group that entertains senior citizens throughout the region.
The couple have developed a small nine-tee, three-green golf course at their Durie Vale Rd property and over the past three years have raised more than $16,000 for Hospice Wanganui, the Education Trust and the Boys' and Girls' Gym Club through tournaments.
"We were a bit surprised by the honour, especially after receiving the QSMs 20 years ago. We try our best to give back to the community we have been part of for nearly 50 years," Mr Bukholt said.
