Editorial: Northern nine merit their gongs

Craig Cooper.

Would we still have Queen's Birthday Honours if we became a republic?

Probably not. For now, I am grateful they exist because six months ago not a single Northlander was recognised in the New Year Honours List.

Which made this year's Queen's Birthday list a little more special, to see nine Northlanders there.

Gerry Brackenbury's (MNZM) mellifluous voice was made for a career in broadcasting, but luckily for Northland he found time to invest in 40 years of voluntary service to conservation and natural history in Whangarei and Northland.

Conservation is also a contributing factor to Kevin Prime being made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. His services to Maori are also behind the accolade.

Teresa Tepania-Ashton, former CEO of Te Runanga-A-Iwi O Ngapuhi, has been made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to Maori and business.

And Kerikeri resident Rahera Shortland has been awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Maori, education and television.

Ray Beatson has been named as a recipient of the Queen's Service Medal for service to the community and veterans.

Kaikohe-based firefighter Tony Scott has a well deserved Queen's Service Medal. Tony has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 27 years, and was a crash firefighter at Auckland Airport for 22 years.

In Dargaville, Nick Puharich's services to his community are behind his QSM. Mr Puharich established the Dargaville Stroke Club and is a key proponent of the Dalmatian Cultural Club.

Pareaute (Polly) Nathan has received the Queen's Service Medal for services to Maori and education in the Far North over half a century.

And he may have only lived here for six months but we are proud to claim Waimate North resident Peter Haythornthwaite (OMNZ) for his services to design.

It is difficult to fathom how no Northlander was nominated in the New Year Honours, when we look at this fine group of people. Here's to many more being recognised in years to come.