This event is held every year to acknowledge members of the community who receive Kings Honours.

Mayor Dan Gordon says it was a real privilege to recognise two remarkable people whose many years of service have made a difference to the lives of so many.

“Our district is built on the passion and dedication of community minded people who give their all to help others succeed,” he said.

“This special occasion is about celebrating exactly that spirit.”

National honour for lifelong service to education

Ian Poulter was acknowledged following his appointment as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education. This is a significant national honour reflecting nearly five decades of commitment to  young learners and their families.

“On behalf of our Council and the entire Waimakariri District, congratulations,” the Mayor said. “This is a significant and very well-deserved national honour.”

He paid tribute to Mr Poulter’s long-standing leadership across the education sector.

“Ian’s commitment to education over nearly five decades has shaped opportunities for generations of learners. Through his leadership, whether establishing new foundations, strengthening collaboration, or expanding access to specialist education he has helped create brighter futures for countless young people and their families.”

The Mayor also acknowledged the vital role of family and friends.

“Honours like this are never earned alone. They reflect years of support, patience, encouragement, and shared sacrifice.”

Community Service Award for a lifetime of care and environmental leadership

The afternoon also marked a deeply special presentation to Beverley McGowan, who was awarded a Waimakariri District Council Community Service Award in recognition of her extraordinary lifetime of service.

While Community Service Awards are usually presented later in the year at a formal ceremony, the Council brought this presentation forward given Beverley’s current health circumstances, ensuring she could be honoured surrounded by those closest to her.

“Given Beverley’s current health circumstances, it was important to us that we acknowledge her tremendous contribution now, surrounded by those who mean the most to her,” Mayor Dan Gordon said.

Alongside her nursing career, Beverley developed a lifelong love of the natural environment and the outdoors with tramping becoming a constant thread throughout her life.

Her passion has taken her across Africa, Greenland, the Americas, Antarctica, Asia and Europe. She has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, travelled overland from Nairobi to see gorillas, and names Borneo as her favourite destination. While living in Canada, she joined a cross-country skiing club, describing it as the best “winter tramping” she has ever done, complete with a memorable encounter with a moose.

Since returning to New Zealand in 2009 to be closer to family, Beverley has made an extraordinary contribution locally. A dedicated member of Keep Rangiora Beautiful, she has translated her love of the outdoors into practical, hands-on service as a DOC trapper and key organiser of trapping overnights, collecting equipment, preparing kits and ensuring others can simply turn up and take part.

Through Keep Rangiora Beautiful, she has coordinated river clean-ups alongside the Waimakariri Youth Council and other community groups, enabling projects to go ahead where capacity might otherwise have been lacking. She has also volunteered mowing lawns at the Anglican Cemetery in Rangiora.

She also answered the call from Environment Canterbury to assist with efforts to eradicate wilding pine.

The Mayor said her contribution would leave a lasting legacy in the District.

“It was important for us that Beverley hear clearly, and publicly, just how much her service has meant,” he said.

“Our district and our region have benefited greatly from her dedication, generosity and quiet leadership. We thank Beverley, for her remarkable service and the example she has set for us all.”

In closing, the Mayor reflected on what both recipients represent for Waimakariri.

“Both Ian and Beverley embody the very best of our district. Leadership, generosity, humility and an unwavering commitment to others.