Mr Charles Nightingale was awarded the King's Service Medal for services to the community in the King's Birthday 2024 Honours List.
The award is being presented on behalf of the Governor General, Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kato, by Deputy Mayor Ashley Cassin at Westland District Council at 10.30am on Saturday 18 January 2025. You can view the ceremony on our YouTube channel.
Mr Charles Nightingale has volunteered with several community organisations in Hokitika since the 1970s.
Mr Nightingale joined the Hokitika Golf Club in 1974 and has been a player and volunteered for working bees and grounds maintenance. He was made a Life Member in 2007 and continued performing maintenance until 2024. He has been involved with All Saints Anglican Parish for many years and has undertaken grounds maintenance since 2007. He has maintained the gardens with his wife, pruning, weeding and planting as required. He performed grounds upkeep for the Westland Racing Club from 2005 to 2020, keeping the racetrack, spectator areas and stables tidy for racing events. He has volunteered with Axeman’s competitions at Hokitika Racecourse for many years, having been a member of Hokitika Axemen’s Club since 1987 and a Life Member since 2019. Mr Nightingale has made key contributions to safety at competition events, ensuring the competition area is clear of wood slabs before and after events.