Queen's Service Medals have been presented to two Otago recipients in a rare investiture ceremony in Dunedin.
Stewart Harvey (74), of Dunedin, received a QSM for services to heritage preservation, and Mavis Davidson (''more than 80''), of Owaka, received a QSM for services to the community.
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae agreed to hold the investiture ceremony at the Dunedin Club yesterday when both recipients were unable to travel to Government House for the official ceremony in Wellington earlier this year.
Mr Harvey said he was delighted to finally attend his investiture.
''I've suffered a bit of poor health lately and I wasn't able to attend the investiture in Wellington.
''This has worked out quite well because all my family have been able to attend,'' he said.
Mrs Davidson said she was proud to receive her QSM, although she also felt humble about it.
She said a lot of people had worked with her over the years and had contributed to the recognition she had received.
Mr Harvey has been active in the preservation of Otago's heritage by being a New Zealand Historic Places Trust Otago branch member, Historic Cemeteries Conservation Trust of New Zealand honorary treasurer and chairman, Orokonui Ecosanctuary Foundation trustee and honorary treasurer, Dunedin Prison Charitable Trust founder, as well as spearheading fundraising efforts for the restoration of the Larnach family tomb, and cleaning and restoring Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.
Mrs Davidson has been a member of the Owaka Garden Club since 1962, the Owaka Floral Art Foundation since 1967, foundation member and head steward of the Catlins Horticultural Society, former treasurer and member of the Catlins Historical Society, Owaka librarian, meals on wheels co-ordinator for more than 30 years, as well as creating and maintaining several gardens in the town, and organising and supervising periodic detention offenders.
