Otaki clubbies receive Queens Birthday Honours

Congratulations to SLSNZ life member and 50yr badge holder Napier McFedries along with SLSNZ distinguished service and 50yr badge holder Lynette McFedries who have received Queen's Service Medals for services to surf lifesaving in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours list.

They are both members of Otaki SLSC.

Lyn joined the Otaki Surf Lifesaving Club in 1966 and worked tirelessly for the club since. She became the Secretary in 1972, retiring from that position in 2010 after 38 years. She was on the fundraising committee for 28 years, acted as team manager for 15 years, was the delegate to Surf Life Saving Western District for 15 years and was an official for 23 years. In addition to these roles, Lyn was the social convenor, co-organising five club reunions and numerous other functions.

She was also responsible for women playing a bigger part in running the club and has been 'mother' to hundreds of members over the years, particularly when the team was away at competitions.

Lyn's husband Napier joined the Otaki Surf Life Saving Club in 1963 and was a lifeguard for 40 years. He was also a committee member, competitor, instructor, team manager, patrol auditor, lifeguard examiner and national competition official. Like Lyn, he was also a Western District Representative.

Lyn and Napier were founding members of the Otaki Amateur Swimming Club in 1964 and they spent a great deal of time teaching and coaching swimmers. They were also both part of the Otaki Pool Project that constructed, heated and covered a public pool in Otaki in three major campaigns over a 25 year period from 1965 to 1990.

Congratulations to Lyn and Napier on this wonderful achievement. For the full list of 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours, visit http://goo.gl/6pLQpH 

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Honeybone, Media & Communications Specialist, SLSNZ
Phone 09 303 9335 or 0276 488 823
Email lisa.honeybone@surflifesaving.org.nz