Reward for he who's done plenty

"I don't reckon I do a great deal," Kaitaia pharmacist Eric Shackleton said after he had been decorated as a Member of the Order of St John.

"I feel humbled when I think of all those frontline people who do all the hard work."

The Order of St John begged to differ, however, bestowing the decoration in appreciation of services to the organisation.

Mr Shackleton was one of about 50 St John stalwarts who received decorations from Grand Prior and Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae at a ceremony at St Patrick's Cathedral in Auckland, where the pomp and ceremony were a surprise to some.

And even if he doubted his worthiness he was "chuffed."

Mr Shackleton has in fact contributed a great deal, not least by way of chairing the Kaitaia area committee for 10 years, his membership of the committee dating back much further than that, during which time he played a pivotal role in raising tens of thousands of dollars to improve Kaitaia's ambulance station.

"We built a whole new operational area to house the staff, and the ambulances and services that keep it all going," he said.

Working in the health field, and as a businessman, had been helpful, he added, pharmacists understanding the work done by St John and the organisation's needs.

"Our little bit of business experience has helped with the organisation, the running of the volunteers, the cadets, Life Link (St John medical alarms) and so on," he said.

"Pharmacy has quite a lot to offer St John in that way.

"I also think it's only right that we should give back to the community that gives to us. Everyone has to take lollies from the community jar every now and again, and if we are in a position to put some back in then I think we should do it."

* It is the St John Annual Appeal Week. please donate these men and women do a great job in the community.