Five East Auckland Residents Honoured in 2026 New Year Awards

Five distinguished residents from East Auckland have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours List for their remarkable contributions to various fields, including healthcare, sports, heritage preservation, and community service.

Lyn Lloyd: A Leader in Renal Dietetics

Somerville resident Lyn Lloyd has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her exceptional services to renal nutrition. With over 40 years of experience, Lloyd has played a pivotal role in renal dietetics across both New Zealand and Australia.

The Honours citation highlights her leadership at Auckland Hospital, where she has set national standards in the nutrition care of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since becoming a renal dietitian in 1982, she has made significant strides, including introducing long overnight hemodiafiltration in Auckland, the first such programme nationally.

Her extensive involvement with the Australia and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) has seen her mentor many dietitians and spearhead the annual renal dietitians’ meeting. Additionally, Lloyd contributed to the development of the Renal Nutrition Program, which aims to enhance the skills of dietitians working in nephrology, dialysis, and transplantation.

Her collaboration with pharmaceutical companies has led to the introduction of a safe renal multivitamin for patients with Stage 5 CKD. Lloyd has also participated in the creation of international guidelines for renal nutrition and malnutrition assessment in CKD.

Gary Whittle: A Rugby League Veteran

Burswood resident Gary Whittle has been awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his extensive contributions to rugby league over the past 65 years. His roles have spanned from referee and touch judge to ground announcer and timekeeper, impacting the sport across Auckland, Waikato, and Northland.

Since 1995, Whittle has served as the timekeeper for the Warriors games, accumulating over 500 matches. He has volunteered in various capacities to uphold the standards and reputation of rugby league, including serving on the Auckland Rugby League Judicial Committee since 1981.

His commitment extends to the Auckland Rugby League Referees Association, where he has participated in the annual Gold Medal Awards for over a decade. Furthermore, he has contributed as a director of the Rugby League Museum Society and has received a Distinguished Service Award from New Zealand Rugby League in 2000.

Marin Burgess: Champion of Heritage Preservation

Farm Cove resident Marin Burgess has been awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for her dedication to heritage preservation and education. Since 1980, she has volunteered at the Howick Historical Village, New Zealand’s largest living history museum.

Burgess has held various roles, including committee member and guide, and currently serves as the heritage advisor on the board of the Historical Society. Her efforts in educational programming have provided invaluable hands-on learning experiences for school children.

She has played a significant role during her presidencies of the Howick and Districts Historical Society, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership in community events and initiatives, including the development of the Auckland Volunteer Centre, has made a lasting impact on the local heritage landscape.

Laurie Mills: A Pillar of Community Theatre

Sunnyhills resident Laurie Mills has also received the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for his nearly 50 years of service to community theatre. Mills has been a vital figure at the Howick Little Theatre (HLT), taking on multiple roles including mentor, director, and committee president.

His extensive experience includes directing 22 productions for HLT and three for the Dolphin Theatre in Onehunga. Mills has been instrumental in fundraising efforts to maintain the theatre’s operations and infrastructure, notably leading a successful campaign for roof replacement in 2023.

Recognised as a Life Member of HLT, he has also received accolades from the Pakuranga Rotary Club, highlighting his significant contributions to the local arts community.

Gordon Myer: Committed Community Volunteer

Golflands resident Gordon Myer has been awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for his extensive community service. His volunteer work spans organisations like the Red Cross, Citizens Advice Bureau, and the Howick Lions Club.

In the 1980s, Myer was pivotal in establishing Clive Scouts, where he served as group leader. His leadership earned him a Chief Scouts Commendation. Since 2010, he has been an active member and chairperson of the Manurewa Citizens Advice Bureau, where he has developed workshops in collaboration with various service partners.

Myer’s dedication to youth initiatives and community welfare has also been evident in his roles within the Howick Lions Club, where he has advocated for numerous projects and humanitarian efforts.

The recognition of these five East Auckland residents underscores their significant contributions to their respective communities. Their commitment to excellence and service stands as an inspiration to others.