From sports fields to ambulance stations, Lyn Govenlock has left her mark on the Te Puke community.

Govenlock has spent 35 years with Hato Hone St John and is the Te Puke area committee chairwoman.

She has been recognised for her contribution to grassroots cricket, to the Playcentre organisation and to St John.

Recently her dedication to her community was also recognised when she was named this year’s Lorna Treloar Memorial Te Puke Citizen of the Year.

Much of Govenlock’s volunteer work has been tied to the activities of her children. When her daughters Claire and Leigh started playing cricket, Govenlock also signed up. She became an organiser, gear packer, transport provider and scorer.

From 2005 to 2013, she represented Te Puke on the Western Bay Junior Cricket Committee, helped create the Battle of the Bridge tournaments, and championed girls’ cricket with initiatives such as Monday night cricket and the Rainbow Cup. In 2014, she was awarded the Allan McBride Trophy for Services to Junior Cricket.

Govenlock is also a life member of Playcentre, has sat on boards of trustees and has coached a girls’ football team at the AIMS Games as well as providing first aid cover at the games.

“I got involved in a lot of things because of the kids. But it’s all about making things work because unless you put your hand up, things don’t happen,” she said.

Her involvement in St John, though, was something that was on the back of her own passion for the community. She has led projects that have had a direct impact on health and safety in the community.

Govenlock had supported volunteers with first aid resources, and guided the planning and fundraising for Te Puke’s purpose-built St John station.

Under her guidance, the Health Shuttle Service was launched in 2018.

She had also overseen Shocktober CPR and AED training, ensuring businesses and locals were ready to respond in emergencies. She helped secure a publicly accessible defibrillator at the Te Puke Anglican Church.

She is modest about her contribution.

“It’s just keeping the community safe because it’s where we live, where our friends and family are.”

She continues to volunteer in a community education role.

“I’m still active, but I’m not running around on ambulances now – I leave that for the younger people. But I still have a lot of knowledge and to use to make a difference and inspire others to do the same.”

Govenlock said she was proud of the number of ambulance officers she has encouraged through the years.

At the ceremony, while the citation was read out, Govenlock said: “that person’s done a lot, they should probably give it to them”.

Govenlock said while she has been recognised by the organisations she has helped out, the Lorna Treloar award is a little different because it comes from the whole community.

The annual Citizen of the Year award is an initiative of Te Puke Creative Forum. Past recipients include Veena Halliwell, whose energy and heart lifted countless community initiatives; Michael Jones, a leader across sport, the arts, and local government; and the late Rev Rereamanu (Manu) Wihapi, who guided and inspired through faith, tikanga, and service.

Each recipient has left a lasting mark on Te Puke.