Heritage Advocate Marin Burgess Honored with King’s Service Medal

Marin Burgess, a prominent advocate for heritage preservation in east Auckland, has been awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM) in recognition of her extensive contributions to heritage education and preservation. The honour was announced as 2026 commenced, leaving Burgess both surprised and grateful for the national acknowledgment of her efforts.

The award comes after Burgess, a long-standing member and former president of the Howick and Districts Historical Society, dedicated over 45 years to supporting the Howick Historical Village. Located in Lloyd Elsmore Park, this living history museum showcases the evolution of local heritage and culture.

Dedication to Heritage and Education

Burgess received the notification of her nomination via email, which she initially mistook for spam. “It took me three days to realise this wasn’t just a joke,” she remarked. Nominees for national honours are typically contacted by the relevant government department and must maintain confidentiality until the official announcement.

Reflecting on her lifelong commitment, Burgess stated, “I was – and am – astounded, as I’ve never regarded those 45 years as anything other than happily supporting the best living history museum in New Zealand.” Her work includes various roles as a volunteer, guide, and coordinator, all aimed at enhancing the museum experience for visitors and educational groups.

The citation for Burgess’s KSM highlights her significant contributions, noting that she was a foundational education guide for the village’s educational programme. She played a crucial role in providing hands-on learning experiences for schoolchildren before transitioning to visitor guiding and curating heritage exhibitions.

Leadership through Challenges

During her tenure, Burgess also served two terms as president of the society, navigating challenges such as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the village’s operations. Under her leadership, the society successfully managed the transfer of ownership of Bell House and the relocation of the Puhi Nui Homestead, both significant historical buildings within the village.

In addition to her work at the historical society, Burgess has been involved in various community initiatives. She contributed to the Auckland Volunteer Centre and served as a Red Cross refugee support volunteer. Her community service was further recognised when she received the Founders Day Award from Zonta of East Auckland.

As she reflects on her recent accolade, Burgess acknowledges the support of those who nominated her and expresses her commitment to continuing her work in heritage preservation. “I now have to justify this amazing honour! And it will be a pleasure,” she said, emphasizing her dedication to the cause.

Burgess continues to serve on the society’s board as its heritage advisor and is currently collaborating with others on a programme to catalogue the museum’s extensive collection. Her recognition not only celebrates her individual achievements but also highlights the importance of community involvement in preserving history for future generations.

For more on Burgess’s contributions to the Howick Historical Society and her reflections on the award, visit the Times.