Congratulations to David Ellis, of Ngaaruawaahia, and Colin Groves, Dr Udayangani Samarakkody and Jane Manson of Tamahere, who were among the King’s Birthday Honours recipients.
David has been made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to the thoroughbred industry and philanthropy. The principal of Te Akau Stud and Racing Stables is recognised as one of the most influential figures in New Zealand thoroughbred racing, breeding and rural enterprise.
He has developed world-class talent in racing managers, trainers and jockeys, and has financially supported numerous local and national clubs, charities and organisations across a breadth of causes from animal welfare to health and education, funded disaster relief, and is a significant sponsor of the racing industry.
Dr Udaya was honoured as an MNZM for her services to paediatric surgery and the Sri Lankan community. A consultant paediatric surgeon and paediatric urologist at Waikato Hospital for more than 30 years, Udayangani has trained more than 50 surgeons nationally and internationally, and developed an extensive outreach service to New Zealand’s Midland health region, improving equity of surgical care for rural and Māori children.
She co-founded the Sri Lankan Doctors and Dentists Association in New Zealand in 2021 and is its co-chair. She has held several governance roles with the Sri Lanka Friendship Society Waikato since 1999.
Colin has made significant contributions to business, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and sport, particularly rugby, league and cricket, in the Waikato.
As a chartered accountant, he has utilised his extensive corporate governance experience across the sports, technology, and agriculture sectors. He develops future leaders through mentoring, generously contributing his time and expertise for the wider community.
Jane created the monthly Tamahere Country Market in 2004, which attracts 20,000 visitors annually with more than 100 stall holders. Since its inception, she has led the voluntary group that organises and runs the market, with a portion of the revenue generated used to maintain St Stephen’s Church and its community outreach. She also led the Tamahere-Woodlands Heritage Committee.
