Queen's Birthday Honours: Minarapa Mitai-Ngatai

Minarapa Mitai-Ngatai Photo/Ben Fraser

Minarapa Mitai-Ngatai has been awarded a Queen's Service Medal in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours for his tireless work supporting Maori and his community for the past 70 years.

Mr Mitai-Ngatai said he was "caught by surprise" when told he was to receive the medal.

"It wasn't something I was expecting. I don't know who would have thought to nominate me, but I am very honoured by the gesture.

"It was a big deal for me when I was inducted into the Te Arawa Hall of Fame last year and receiving this service medal just adds to the recognition I've been given."

Mr Mitai-Ngatai has contributed to the Rotorua community through his involvement in sporting, musical and cultural activities.

He has been involved with hockey as a coach and player in Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty since 1944, and as a referee and manager since 1948. He coached the Bay of Plenty Under-11 Development Squads and most recently was coach of the Selwyn Primary School maxi team in 2013.

He said his love for the sport spanned decades.

"Growing up in Matata I used to play hockey with my family and loved it. Even now I still play hockey with my grandkids."

Alongside his dedication to sport, Mr Mitai-Ngatai is a saxophonist and has performed at a variety of events, including funeral processions for close to 40 years.

He has performed with the Maureen Haira Maori and Pacific Island group and worked for Radio Te Arawa, recording local artists to play on the station.

Mr Mitai-Ngatai has also contributed to carvings for the Kahumatamoemoe Marae and Hongoeka Marae and carved the baptism font for St Michael's Church in Rotorua.