Press release

Friday 22 April, 2016

For immediate use

The Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae presented the 2016 Anzac of the Year Award to Mataura ‘local hero’ Barbara Cunningham at a function at Government House in Wellington this evening.

The Governor-General’s Anzac of the Year Award is presented in partnership with the RSA and was established to recognise the spirit of Anzac evident in New Zealanders today. The recipient must have demonstrated extraordinary courage, compassion comradeship and commitment.

Mrs Cunningham, a retired midwife, was recognised for her community work in Mataura, in particular her role in setting up the Mataura Community Garden. Described in her nomination as someone who didn’t seek the limelight, Mrs Cunningham lived up to that reputation by acknowledging the contribution of others when she accepted her award and the statue of Gallipoli hero Private Richard Henderson which accompanies it.

The Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae and RSA President BJ Clark both spoke at the ceremony, which was also attended by Chief of Defence Lt Gen Tim Keating and Gore District Council Mayor, Tracy Hicks.

ENDS

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