Fiona Anderson, of Piha, received her QSM today

I took a couple of minutes of Fiona’s time on the phone last night to have a quick chat about the ceremony today in Wellington.

Of course she was busy : taking up hems of someone’s dress for the occasion and organising where they might eat out this evening.

Fiona has been the lessee of the Piha Domain Camp for 16 years, has volunteered and fund-raised for the Piha Community Library for 16 years and been a member of Piha 1st response for the same length of time.

It’s been Fi’s service in recovery, in my opinion, that stands out the most.  There was resistance when Fi started the weekly ‘Piha recovery meetings‘ in her home some years ago now.  There was no support for those that chose not to drink or drug in Piha so Fiona ignored the resistance and the rest is history.

I asked her how she felt about receiving the QSM:  “Bewildered why an ordinary person doing ordinary things when lots of people do what she does“.  She also felt ‘anxious‘ and ‘proud‘.

I think it’s been Fiona’s work through the 12 Steps that has cemented her commitment to the Community. She quoted a 12 step saying  “It’s hard to feel sorry for yourself when you’re helping someone else”.

About the Queen’s Service Medal

The Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) was instituted by New Zealand in 1975, at the same time as the Queen’s Service Order (QSO).  The purpose of both the QSO and the QSM is to recognise voluntary service to the community and also elected or appointed public office. Up to 60 awards of the QSM can be made each year and recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters ‘QSM’ after their names. Military personnel are not eligible to be awarded the QSM for their military service, however, community service performed in a civilian capacity can be recognised by the award of the QSM

The epitome of a good woman – QSM for Fi