QSM pair helped keep Eketahuna vital

HONOURED: Queen's Service Medal recipients John Harman (left) and Bud Jones celebrate with their medals at Eketahuna War Memorial Hall yesterday.

A man some credit with keeping Eketahuna alive and kicking has been formally recognised for his years of service to the town.

John Harman, chairman of Eketahuna Charitable Trust, was presented with a Queen's Service Medal (QSM) at a community gathering at Eketahuna War Memorial Hall yesterday.

The trust has been responsible for establishing the town's only grocery store, re-opening the garage after it burnt down and with keeping the information centre up and running.

Mr Harman said he was "overcome and overwhelmed" to receive the award and there were many volunteers who also deserved recognition.

"The support of Eketahuna and the way they get together to make things happen is really a hallmark of the town itself."

"The volunteers that work in the town and keep the town going are absolutely fantastic."

His involvement in community organisations began with the Eketahuna School board and grew from there, he said.

Also honoured with a QSM at yesterday's presentation was musician and teacher, Bud Jones.

Mr Jones, who was the subprincipal percussionist for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra until 2005, received the award for his service to music and the environment.

Mr Jones and his wife moved to Eketahuna in 1982 and he has since created a distinctive environment on his Nireaha property, which has more than 30,000 hand-planted trees.

Tararua Mayor Roly Ellis said it was great for the town to receive two awards.

"It's really good Eketahuna has been acknowledged and in two different ways as well."

Mr Harman had been a "real rock" for the community, the mayor said. "To give the sort of service that you've given throughout the Eketahuna area in different ways ... it has brought Eketahuna alive."

The town had gone through some difficult times but with the Hurricanes-Crusaders match coming up and the Pro-Am Golf Tournament in January, and a town upgrade on the way, it was in a process of rejuvenation, Mr Ellis said.

"Everyone has a go about Eketahuna, don't they? But I was able to say Eketahuna is alive and well."