Among them is Northland couple John and Lily Coleman, nominated in the Ryman Healthcare category, who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities.
John and Lily Coleman in their Kaikohe home. Photo / Yolisa Tswanya
Some of their work includes serving on school committees, coaching local sports teams, serving as local government representatives, sponsoring local events like the upcoming Kaikohe A&P Show and working with children with learning disabilities.
The Colemans said they believe there are more people doing good work in their communities.
“We didn’t know where the New Year Honours [nomination] came from either. We hadn’t realised how much work goes into nominating people, but there are some people still doing community service work and we have cut back because we are older and can’t always drive to places,” Lily said.
“Some people are still doing community service work, and we phased back, they would be better fitted.”
John agreed, adding, “We think there are people just as good as us. There are probably people better than us.”
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) said it does not comment on the individual consideration of nominations, but said each year there is a small number of people who decline royal honours.
“People are not required to give a reason for declining an honour, and these decisions are treated in strict confidence.
Protecting the confidentiality of material about honours nominations is essential to maintaining the integrity of the New Zealand Royal Honours system.
In particular, the protection of such information ensures that those engaging with the honours system can rely on the confidentiality of the process.
They added that approximately 800 to 1000 nominations are considered for appointment to New Zealand Royal Honours each year.
Since 2010, the size of the regular honours lists at New Year and Queen’s/King’s Birthday has ranged from 151 to 194 recipients.
John and Lily Coleman sharing family memories and of work they have done together in their community. Photo / Yolisa Tswanya
The Colemans moved from Ōhura in the King Country and raised four children in Kaikohe, a community their daughter Sue Coleman said took them in.
“When they moved up here, they had no family here, so they treated Kaikohe as their family.
“They are incredibly humble and don’t like a fuss. To us the acknowledgement and thought is great, because we know just how much they have done over the years.
“They are not flashy people, they just work hard and give back.”
She said they tried to keep the honours nomination quiet, from her parents, suspecting they may decline it.
“We kept it quiet, and a couple of applications went through from other people. Then one day Mum said she received an email and that they had responded to decline it … they are happy with themselves and don’t need to be told.”
John and Lily Coleman on their wedding day in 1961. The couple have been involved in community service work since they met in the late 1950s.
She said she recently quit her job and will now be working part-time so she can spend more time with her parents.
“Yeah, I might earn less, but the time I will have with them is gold. I am the lucky one.”
Miriama Kamo, te koruru patron of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa said 2024 was a year of extraordinary achievements - from the inspiring successes of our Olympians to groundbreaking contributions in sustainability, health innovations, and community leadership.
“Our semifinalists represent the heart and soul of Aotearoa – athletes who unite us in celebration, innovators tackling our most pressing challenges, and change-makers who strengthen the fabric of our society.
“Their courage, vision, and dedication remind us what it means to step up for whānau, communities, and our country. It’s an immense privilege to honour their achievements. Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa.”
Finalists will be announced next month, and winners will be at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala in March.
