Central Otago’s Stuart Paterson has been awarded the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) as part of New Zealand’s New Year’s Honours. 

Stuart, of Ranfurly, has been given the award for his services to the community, which includes a long-term role with Maniototo Health Services. 

Stuart was the Chair of Maniototo Health Services during a significant $7 million re-development project. 

He was Secretary of the Glimmerburn Domain Board from 1981 to 2016 and is a Past President of the Maniototo Lions Club, where he has helped to organise the annual Gift Lamb competition, their largest fundraising event. 

He was Chair of Maniototo Health Services from 2010 until the end of 2012 and has resumed the role of Chair from 2015 until the present. 

Stuart stepped up to this role at a critical time, taking on the responsibility of managing the funding and building of a new healthcare facility for the people of the Maniototo, which officially opened in 2019. 

According to Stuart’s award announcement this has “enabled the provision of more, better quality healthcare services in an area that is classified as ‘isolated’ and makes the occurrence of illnesses and injuries less of an inconvenience for locals”. 

Stuart Paterson (left) cutting the ribbon to the Maniototo Community Medical Centre in 2020.

At the opening of the Maniototo Hospital in 2019, Stuart told The Central App more than 300 donations “of various amounts” came in to fund the hospital, separate to fundraising efforts by community groups.

“...the community really got in behind the project, right from the start as well,” he said.

“It’s safe to say everyone in the community contributed in some way.”

He also said he expects the community to build off the facility. 

“It means people can move into the area and the community can continue to grow.” 

Stuart has been a Trustee of GG Scott Trust since 2008, which distributes funds related to health, education and sport in the local area.