Eight Marlburian's efforts acknowledged with Civic Honours

Eight inspirational Marlburians have been recognised for their outstanding service at a special Civic Honours ceremony held in the Whitehaven Room of the ASB Theatre.

In presenting the honours that are handed out every three years on August 2, 2023, Mayor Nadine Taylor said it was vital to recognise members of the community who give outstanding service to the district.

“If you can measure the health of a community by its volunteers and philanthropists, then we are in great shape here in Marlborough,” she said.

“I feel very humbled to be standing here alongside such charitable and big-hearted people – so many projects, clubs and activities simply would not happen in Marlborough if it was not for your unstinting efforts.

Nicki Stretch says that this award isn’t about her, but about “having the right people at the right time seeing a need and meeting a goal”.

She saw her need and met it with KiwiCan, which sets a foundation of values and life skills in over 100 primary schools across New Zealand through once-a-week classes developing self-belief and confidence.

Nicki is also an inspirational and adventurous fundraiser for the Graeme Dingle Foundation while also the general manager of the Churchill Hospital, member of the Marlborough Electric Power Trust and secretary/treasurer of the Wairau Valley Cricket Club.

Ian Cameron agrees with Nicki, saying how the “well-connected community” in Havelock is really to be credited with his achievement.

“I retired to Havelock, but once you’re a part of something you can’t help but be amazed by how much is going on in a little town”.

Ian has been a Havelock Community Association member for the last 20 years he has lived there, while balancing his Lions membership, the market day BBQ, Havelock Men’s Shed secretary and Havelock Mussel Festival committee membership. He also acts as a Justice of the Peace and is registrar of the local association.

“It’s a real privilege to be in a room with people who give so much of themselves - you add to the depth of Marlborough and help to make it the amazing province it is”, summed up Mayor Taylor.

“So, on behalf of all our residents and ratepayers I offer a collective thank you to you all. We appreciate the selfless efforts you have made for Marlborough, and I thank you for giving us your time and commitment.”

This year’s Marlborough Civic Honours recipients are:

• Ros Benson – responsible for the fundraising and planning which enabled the new Picton Emergency Operations Centre to be established, an outstanding community facility.
• Chris Brown – the driving force behind the refloating of the historic ship Edwin Fox and a committed and dedicated volunteer for the project over many years
• Ian Cameron – a multi-talented and valued Havelock resident who actively uses his retirement to benefit the local community through numerous groups and committees.
• Patricia Clay – has used her accounting background and skills to be of great service to many community groups, particularly the senior sector.
• Helen Godsiff – a true community spirit and Marlborough Sounds pioneer who has dedicated her life to rural causes including Rural Women NZ
• Tony Quirk – a staunch and respected volunteer gymnastics coach, secretary, president and judge with a lifetime of dedication to the sport locally and nationally
• Nicki Stretch – has selflessly given unstinting service to the community through her work for the Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough, as well as being heavily involved with local cricket.
• Mike Sextus - a dedicated and hardworking Edwin Fox enthusiast who, along with Chris Brown, has been involved with the project since its inception.