Pride of NZ Awards: An 'angel' for West Coast locals

Margaret Houston.

Margaret Houston - Emergency Services

When Margaret Houston suffered the loss of her 5-year-old daughter, she decided to learn first aid.

While studying, she signed up for the St John Ambulance service, and 40 years on she's still part of the team.

Ms Houston, of Harihari in Westland, is a Commander in the Order of St John, meaning her role is varied and highly regarded. She has also driven the local school bus for years.

For her dedication to St John and the Harihari community, Ms Houston has been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award in the Emergency Services category.

"If anyone needs to be recognised for the work in her community, it's Maggie Houston," said her nominator. "She is in the true sense of the word an angel."

Ms Houston has stayed in touch with some of the people whose lives she has affected.

Twenty-four years ago, she was called to a fatal car accident. The Woman's Weekly published a story and the mother of the woman killed in the accident got in touch. The women remain in contact after 14 years.

Another close friendship developed between Ms Houston and a girl she helped at an accident, and then went on to teach.

Ms Houston still drives the school bus while juggling St John duties but hopes to retire one day.

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Nominations for the 2015 awards have now closed.
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