John Culling

Citation Speech for John Culling

For more than five decades, John Culling’s contributions to the Manawatū District have reached across local government, community organisations, major projects and everyday acts of service, leaving a lasting mark on the people and places around him.

For John, that connection runs especially deep in the Pohangina Valley. It is a place he has called home for almost his entire life, with family roots stretching back generations. His grandfather owned a store there in 1893, his father farmed in the Valley, and John later followed in his footsteps on the family farm.

So, when proposals emerged in 1972 that could significantly change life in the Pohangina Valley, John felt compelled to speak up. The possible closure of local schools and changes to subdivision requirements were both issues he strongly opposed, and he took those concerns to Council. He achieved a positive result, which proved to him that speaking up, getting involved and being persistent could make a genuine difference.

In 1974, John campaigned and was successfully elected to Pohangina County Council. From there, he worked on issues close to his heart, including subdivision rules, district planning policies and protecting Pohangina Valley’s school and swimming pool. John and his wife, Mary, also provided an easement through their land to restore public access to the Pohangina River. That access is now known as the Culling Walkway, and we think it’s fair to say the views are almost as good as the name!

When local government amalgamation created Manawatū District Council in 1989, John was elected Deputy Mayor. In those formative years of the new Council, John helped establish strong foundations around infrastructure, water assets, rating systems and rural water schemes.

John stepped away from Council in 1995, but he certainly didn’t step away from his community.  A year later, he joined the Eastern Central Community Trust, helping support investment that would provide ongoing income for communities across Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū and Horowhenua.

Then came another opportunity, or, as John might describe it, being “voluntold” by Mayor Ian McKelvie to help Council address the future of its community housing. This led to John’s involvement with the Manawatū Community Trust, a role that has been a true labour of commitment and care. With the trust, John improved services, reduced costs and lifted housing standards, helping increase occupancy to more than 90%.

He was also involved in the creation of the Feilding Health Centre, working with local iwi, doctors, pharmacists and the District Health Board. During the 11-month build, John counted more than 73 trips between Pohangina Valley and Feilding, a figure that perhaps says more about his commitment than any job description ever could.

Moreover, John also chaired the Camp Rangi Woods Trust from 1992 to 2013, supporting fundraising and keeping the community facility in great shape.

But at the heart of John’s commitment to the Manawatū District has always been the people. During his interview, John spoke about his wife Mary, and daughters Maria, Janelle and Celin with enormous warmth and pride. He reflected on their achievements, the people they have grown to become, and the fond memories as their “taxi driver” and volunteer sport coach.

That willingness to turn up, lend a hand and quietly get on with the job seems to sum up John rather well. His nominators describe him as someone who “does not seek any accolades” but whose approach “epitomises community spirit”.

John is a humble, community-focused leader who has consistently given his time, knowledge and energy to causes that make life better for others. John, you truly embody what a Community Honours Award represents.

We hope tonight gives you the opportunity to see just how valued your contribution has been, and continues to be, surrounded by the friends, whānau and colleagues who have shared parts of your journey with you. Congratulations.