Service award for exceptional Rongotai couple

BY EMMA BEER

Lorraine Ditchburn of Rongotai was among the local heroes from the Wellington region acknowledged at a ceremony last week as part of the inaugural New Zealander of the Year Awards.

Mrs Ditchburn was recognised for her constant efforts in helping the community.

She and husband Roy dedicate their time to assisting others in a multitude of ways.

"It's just something we do," said Mrs Ditchburn. "I do enjoy it. It's my life."

Their exceptional contributions include baking, cooking, assisting people to move home, house maintenance, childcare, opening their home to those in need of shelter and knitting booties for the Wellington Neonatal Intensive Care unit.

The Local Heroes Medals recognise and celebrate everyday New Zealanders who, across their various endeavours, have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

Mrs Ditchburn said the award came as a big surprise. "I'm not really a person to stand in the limelight. I prefer to be behind the scenes," she said.

The grandmother of 22 said she didn't really have a lot of time for herself. However, her health had been good so she didn't believe she needed it.

"I have a caring, loving husband who is always there for support," she said.

People who know them know there is a phone in their bedroom which they will answer even in the middle of the night.

"We're just over 70 now and we will serve where we can, for as long as we can," said Mrs Ditchburn.

Mrs Ditchburn regarded the award as being was for her husband as well.

Because he is a Canadian citizen he was ruled ineligible to receive it.

Other recipients included Kantial Patal of Kingston, Juping Zhou of Island Bay and Emma Daken of Grenada North.

- The Wellingtonian