‘‘I certainly don’t believe in retirement, and I like community involvement.’’
So says Charles Ross of Ashburton on what motivates him.
The 75-year-old is among those named in the King’s Birthday Honours.
He has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the community.
Charles farms at Westerfield, travelling there four days a week to help out son Howard who runs the third-generation family property today.
As chair of the Mt Somers Walkway Society, he established and led a working group to fundraise and carry out the scope and build of a safe walking route to Sharplin Falls in 2017, following the previous track’s closure in the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.
The cost was more than $500,000. Under his leadership, this was raised through fundraising efforts and obtaining grants.
Charles said of all his community work he was acknowledged for in the honours, Sharplin Falls stood out the most.
‘‘Because it’s been so popular and successful since we completed the track, beyond my expectations.’’
The honours citation described several other projects he has been dedicated to over the last 30 years.
‘‘A member of the Ashburton Rowing Club since 2006, he has helped build storage and clubhouse facilities and obtained lane markers for regattas.
“Following flooding of the Ashburton River in 2020, causing the destruction of a 10km cycle track linking Lake Hood to the town, he was instrumental in the rebuild project, providing equipment such as trucks and graders, which restored the track to its former glory.
“Between 1987 and 2003 he has been chair of the Ashburton Farm Forestry Association, Chair of Lagmhor Westerfield Federated Farmers, Chair of the Lagmhor Board of Trustees, and Chair of the Lauriston Farm Improvement Club.’’
Charles said he was surprised but pleased by the award.
‘‘I kept thinking of all the people who have done equally good work and could easily have been given this award as well,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, another award recipient with a Mid Canterbury connection is Grant McMillan (Kai Tahu) of Selwyn.
McMillan is a former Ashburton College principal.
He has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and the community.
McMillan was the Ministry of Education Southern Region Manager for schools and early childhood education 2001 to 2009.
He led Ashburton College from 2009 to 2016, working with staff, board of trustee members, students and whanau to improve students’ results and outcomes and leave the school in a better financial position.
As principal of James Cook High School, Manurewa, 2016 to 2023, he worked with an appointed limited statutory manager, the board, staff, students, and the school community to turn around the struggling school, leaving it as a role model for other schools nationally.
He has been active with his local Returned and Services Associations for more than 20 years and is an executive member of Christchurch Memorial RSA and a vice-president of Canterbury District RSA.
He is currently chair of the Charles Upham VC and Bar Centre Trust and the Secretary of the Regimental Association.
