Dennis Emery

Citation Speech for Dennis Emery

A steward of the rivers, a champion for the underprivileged and an advocate for the marginalized, Dennis has committed a lifetime of service with the vision of uplifting families, iwi and communities.

Dennis credits the values of his mother to help people where he can and also his deep love for his iwi.

Over the years, several whānau among many hapū have sought him for his sensible and safe counsel in times of vulnerability or grief. He is known for his availability to hundreds and his unwavering aroha to find solutions for whānau wellbeing.

His journey of service started as a union delegate while working at the Feilding freezing works. He started working there at the age of 14 while studying at Hato Paora college. As a shed secretary for the Meatworkers Union, Dennis worked to achieve outcomes that were of benefit to those he worked alongside. During the 6-week national strike, Dennis coordinated a local, urgent, food response model to ensure all the families impacted by the strikes were fed. This included going to Hawkes Bay for produce, diving for kaimoana and negotiating with farmers in Te Reureu for meat. He utilized the back of the marae in the Valley to store the food and make food packages.

In 1981 when the plant closure was announced, he was instrumental in establishing the Feilding Resource Centre. The Feilding resource Centre was a social welfare organization to support over 400 locals made redundant and provide support while seeking employment. The centre was born through several conversations Dennis had with ministers, including Rangitīkei MP Dennis Marshall and mayor Carol Claussen.

One of the highlights as a union delegate was a work trip to London in June 1992. Hosted by Lord Vesty, Dennis had the privilege of having lunch with Princess Diana and a young boisterous Prince Harry.

His career involved managing the Feilding resource centre for 6 years, a CEO for Ngati Apa for 3 years, CEO for the Runanga o Raukawa for 12 years and then 8 years as the Māori liaison at the Palmerston North hospice. Throughout his careers Dennis continued to gift many hours to various roles in te taiao, river management, manukura, housing and hauora.

Spinal meningitis at the age of 14 from a swim in the Oroua river was the drive and beacon to be a loyal servant for our local river. This illness and long recovery sparked his passion to be a kaitiaki of the Oroua for nearly 60 years. His commitment to the restoration and protection of the river through his many years is seen through his governance roles related to fresh water is commendable. He continues his dedication and has hosted 14 workshops with rangatahi for river education.

He has had over 35 voluntary roles while working to provide for his family and culturally serve and preserve his iwi. Dennis doesnt believe his lifestyle has gifted him sleep or rest, but has gifted a full life of colour.

While the several roles are one aspect of his service for others, the humilty of mowing lawns at the Kauwhata iwi office for decades, cooking hangi for whanau and at marae or the broom and shovel work has and still remains his core services.

Dennis, the number of letters of support for this honour demonstrates the enormous impact you have had in a number of sectors. Some have stated your contributions and leadership has been life changing and at times life saving. We hope tonight you hear and feel the tremendous gratitude of all the lives you have touched.