Bob Richards has carried out active service with the Blenheim Gymnastics Club Inc. since the early 1970s firstly as a gymnast and later as a dedicated coach and club supporter.

Mr Richards has supported the local gymnastic club with his consistent involvement in both recreational and competitive coaching since the 1980s. He has coached hundreds of children with far reaching and immeasurable benefits for them and the community. Mr Richards has been a valued asset to the club by contributing his building and construction skills to maintain the gymnasium facilities that are a great asset to the community. The National Championships will be held in Blenheim this year (2012). This is largely due to the commitment made by volunteers such as Mr Richards.

Maureen Elliot of Blenheim

Maureen Elliott first became active at the Blenheim Gymnastic Club Inc. in 1979.

First coaching with Mr Bob Richards, Mrs Elliott coaches a wide range of gymnastic grades each week but works extensively with boys’ iron to silver levels covering the 8 to 13 year age group. She also runs the ‘Kindy Gym’ programme. She has given 30 years of consistent service to the club and now coaches second generation budding gymnasts. Mrs Elliott has acted as President and Secretary for the club at various times during her involvement. Mrs Elliott has introduced hundreds of Marlborough school children to gymnastics, teaching them values such as perseverance and discipline. Mrs Elliott continues to voluntarily contribute her energies to the club with characteristic humility.

David Baker of Waikawa Bay, Picton

David’s voluntary service to the Marlborough community is exemplary.

In respect to Marlborough Marine Radio Association David was president of the association for lengthy 16 year tenure. Over this period he has overseen and driven the growth of the association to nearly 2000 members and a net work of 7 current volunteer radio operators and association ownership of 5 marine VHF radio channels. Under his leadership the associations style and direction stayed true to it’s beginnings with operators, members and executive never losing the unity as belonging to a large team and extended family which has proved one of the associations biggest strengths.

He has also served as executive member, vice president and president of Marlborough Coastguard and been instrumental in securing a purpose built 12 metre rescue craft for Marlborough and newly constructed coastguard headquarters developed in conjunction with the St John Ambulance service. He is a longstanding senior skipper for Coastguard and has had direct involvement in many marine related search and rescues and evacuations of ill or injured people from the Marlborough Sounds.

David’s service to the greater Marlborough Sounds and Picton communities has been intense and ongoing for over 45 years. David has developed into a popular community leader by virtue of his own endeavours and informed passion for his chosen interests.  

For many years now Mr Blissett has volunteered for Meals on Wheels. T

hrough the Red Cross he also gives his time willingly to collect for both National and Local Appeals. He is the main identity in the Muslim Community and does his best to cater for the needs of those moving into Marlborough, to ensure their transition is as smooth as possible. He works with various groups to resolve personal issues eg Employment , Immigration or legal issues. He was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 2009, was instrumental in the forming of the Multicultural Group , is an active member of the Orchard Society.

Mr Blissett was also a foster parent for disabled and disadvantaged children

Mr Blissett served in Korea in the 1960’s as a member of the American armed forces. On completion of his service over there he was made a citizen and awarded medals for US National Defence, US Korea Service and one for US Good Conduct. He has been a member of the Veteran’s Association since 2002 and is a member of the Executive.

As Ian said in his email to me acknowledging the Local Heroes award that this is the only medal he has recieved for which wasn’t as a result of holding a rifle.

Rod Thomas of Picton

Rod was the Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Picton from 1997 – 2011 and was presented with his NZ Fire Service Gold Star for 25years volunteer fire fighting for the Picton/Marlborough Community

He has also spent  12yrs on Queen Charlotte College Board of Trustees,  Set up CACTUS Programme for Picton Youth (3yrs) and is also a Justice of the Peace.

Rod has also contributed significantly to the Fire Service in a Volunteer Role and spent 12 yrs in the Critical Incident Stress Management  Trauma Team.