Sharing just the way life goes

For Cyril Manley, being recognised alongside his wife, Gloria, in the New Year's Honours list is as rewarding as the prize itself.

The Howick couple, both aged 70, were awarded Queen Service Medals for the individual contributions each has made to Maoridom, particularly in a community of few Maori and fewer kaumatua.

Mr Manley is most proud of his work as kaumatau of the Manukau Specialist Education Service, where he helps health experts caring for special-needs children.

He helped to form the Pakuranga Maori Culture Club in 1972, and has had a long involvement with the Pakuranga Health Camp.

Gloria "Bonny" Manley, a long-serving member of the Maori Women's Welfare League, said her greatest achievement was her work with the league's immunisation programme.

Started in 1992 was a pilot scheme, the programme now has more than 5200 Auckland children on its database.

A kuia at Owairoa Marae in Howick, she is also a director of the Tihi Ora health funding agency and a trustee for Korowhai House, a refuge for abused girls.

Mr Manley said the award was a bonus to share with his wife.

"That's an honour on its own, and I'm grateful for that because we've shared our lives together. I've been involved in her activities and she's also supported me in mine. That's just how our lives have gone along."