John Silvester

Citation Speech for John Silvester

When you’re around John Silvester, you’re greeted by a smile, a positive attitude, and a determination to simply get things done. It’s an attitude that the Manawatū District has been incredibly fortunate to benefit from for many years, and one that deserves to be recognised.

John and his wife Barbara have called Rongotea home since January 2005. After their children flew the coop not long after, John and Barbara began looking for ways to become more involved in their new community.

A little bit of curiosity, one good conversation and next minute I had joined the Rongotea and Districts Lions Club in 2009. What followed has been not only years of service, but strong friendships and a real sense of belonging within the community. Fast forward to today, John has now served as Club Secretary for around 10 years and was Club President from 2014 to 2015.

With his IT skills and knack for organisation, John stepped effortlessly into the secretary role. He showed a genuine passion for helping others and getting stuck in wherever he’s needed.

John has been instrumental in organising and delivering a wide range of community events for charitable causes. These include the Rongotea Charity Car Show and the Manawatū Child Cancer Foundation Christmas Party, which welcomes more than 140 children each year.

This event is one particularly close to John’s heart. He spoke warmly about seeing children simply able to be children, playing, laughing, eating and opening presents in a fun and carefree environment.

John also wears another important hat as Chairperson of the Te Kawau Memorial Recreation Centre’s Management Committee, overseeing the administration, compliance and community use of the facility. But John isn’t someone who limits himself to paperwork. He loves fixing things, getting hands-on and finding ways to make things better.

John plays a significant role behind the scenes for the annual Waitangi Day Gala at the Te Kawau Memorial Recreation Centre. From coordinating people, organising displays and helping make sure everything comes together on the day.

His commitment to community wellbeing extends even further, as he helps organise Senior Citizen Lunches, providing an opportunity for older members of the community to come together, share a meal and enjoy some company. He also supports rural health screening programmes for local farmers, bringing important health services closer to people who may otherwise struggle to access them.

To add to this, John also administers the Hamilton Hensen Award, a tertiary education grant supporting local school leavers as they take the next step into study at Massey University.

Alongside his wife, Barbara, and their gorgeous boxer Beryl, John speaks with genuine affection about Rongotea, the friendships he has made and the community he has become such an important part of.

John’s contributions never seek recognition. He simply shows up, helps out and makes his community a better place. John, thank you for the time, care, energy and positivity you have given to Rongotea and the wider Manawatū District.

Congratulations.