The Queen’s Birthday Honours List saw two members of the Connexion recognised for their outstanding works for community and Church.

Rev Hiueni Nuku, Parish Superintendent for Lower Hutt Tongan Parish (Ututa’u) and Tawa Union Church since 2009, received a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to Tongan and Pacific communities.

Rev Nuku has been Chair of the Wellington Tonga Leaders’ Council since 2015 and was Treasurer from 2012. The Council has been the driving force behind the revitalisation of the Tongan language in Wellington. He has long been involved in health, housing and employment projects with the Tongan community in the Wellington region as well as youth education initiatives and Tongan Youth Awards across academia, sports and leadership.

Rev Nuku has strong connections to the Pacific community nationwide through his involvement across many organisations and boards, including ministerial appointments, the Methodist New Zealand Council of Conference, Wesley Wellington Mission and Tu Ora Compass Health.

David Ayers, Rangiora parish council chair and steward, was made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of his service to local government and the community, including more than 40 years commitment to his community and local government in the wider Canterbury region.

During a long association with the Methodist Church of New Zealand, David has contributed his leadership and management skills to his local parish and to national boards including the Methodist Connexional Property Committee and the Board of Administration.

David’s long career in local government included 21 years as a councillor. He was Chair of the Rangiora Ward Advisory Board for six years, and Mayor of the Waimakariri District Council from 2010 to 2019. During this time he led the region’s recovery operations and planning following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.