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Wednesday June 7, 2017
Locals honoured for
Queen’s Birthday
Mr Dermot Byrne, QSM, from Khandallah
Ms Sharyn Evans, MNZM, from Johnsonville By Julia Czerwonatis
Mr George Salmond, CNZM, from Karori
Ms Emily Perkins, MNZM, from Kelburn. CC Image courtesy of NZatFrankfurt on Flickr
Mr Dermot Byrne from Khandallah has been awarded the Queen Service Medal for his contribution to a range of community projects in Khandallah since the 1970s. “I came over from Ireland in the 70s. I remember hitchhiking into Wellington and knowing only one person in the entire city,” Mr Byrne said. His friend helped Mr Byrne to settle in Khandallah where he opened a hair salon. Mr Byrne has been involved in several fundraising efforts helping the Khandallah community to grow. In the 1970s he and a group of residents helped building the Onslow Free Kindergarten. In 1983 he was a key player in establishing the Cornerstone Resource Centre Trust and was the chair of the trust several times over 33 years. Dermot also helped fundraise more than $250,000 over a period of nine years for the adaptive restoration of Khandallah Town Hall. “The town hall is multipurpose community centre. It is all about interaction,” Mr Byrne said. Mr Byrne and his wife Keri have three children, Fiona, Cormac, and Rory, and seven grandchildren. “New Zealand has been really good to me. I loved to be involved with all these projects.” Ms Sharyn Evans from Johnsonville has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the New Zealand music culture. From the age of 17 Ms Evans has been playing the violin in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) until she retired last November. “This honour isn’t only for me but for everyone who has given so much, who has been with me throughout my time at the orchestra and especially for my parents who gave me a wonderful start into my career,” Ms Evans said.
“I enjoy the process of discovery. And I love meeting people that connect with my stories.” The violinist said she was very fortunate in her life and loved being part of the orchestra for 48 years. Ms Evans got to know her husband through the orchestra who played the trumpet. Within the NZSO she was recognised as a dedicated and professional musician who delivered consistently exceptional service. She has mentored young and new players within the orchestra and has also worked towards NZSO Alumni Association for many years. Having retired Ms Evans starts to discover music as a concert goer. “I haven’t been playing the violin ever since I left the orchestra but I’m starting to miss it. I’m really missing the orchestra people.” Mr George Salmond from Karori has been appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contribution to health services for more than 40 years. Mr Salmond said when studying medicine he realised he was missing a social approach towards the topic. He became a research fellow and lecturer at Otago University’s Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, and eventually moved to Wellington to work for the Department of Health in the 1970s. Mr Salmond worked as the director of Management Services at the Department of Health, as Director-General of Health and he oversaw major reorganisation of the department including the introduc-
PHOTOS: Julia Czerwonatis
tion of Area Health Boards. He had learned an important lecture working in the public health sector: “When you contradict a status quo you have to be ready for criticism and deal with it, and then you succeed.” Amongst other commitments Mr Salmond was also active both in New Zealand and internationally in the work of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. “Going to the world assembly in Geneva to successfully push for a ruling against the use of nuclear weapons was an extraordinary experience.” Ms Emily Perkins from Kelburn has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the New Zealand literature. Ms Perkins is an award-winning author of four novels and a collection of short fiction. Her first book, the 1996 collection Not Her Real Name, was published domestically and internationally and received broad acclaim. Ms Perkins said she had become an author through her love for reading. “Writing is incredible rewarding but also can be painful at times,” Ms Perkins said. “I enjoy the process of discovery. And I love meeting people that connect with my stories.” Her subsequent novels including Leave Before You Go, The New Girl, and Novel About My Wife have been published internationally representing quintessential aspects of New Zealand life to a broad audience throughout the world. Ms Perkins is currently senior lecturer of the International Institute of Modern Letters’ creative writing programme at Victoria University of Wellington, and also works on a new novel. Next to writing the mother of three enjoys spending time with her family. “And I go for many walks which helps for my writing. My favourite place are the Botanic Gardens.