The Rotary Club of Wanaka recognised two outstanding contributors to the Wanaka community on Saturday (June 22) when it awarded Paul Harris Fellowship awards to Lynne and Ralph Fegan.

At a dinner at Cardrona Hotel to celebrate the annual change-over to a new club president, out-going president George Scott outlined the services of the husband and wife team.

“It was a great honour to present the award to two people who have made and continue to make such a selfless contribution to others,” George said.

Lynne and Ralph came to Wanaka in 1996 after 30 years in Franz Josef Glacier where they owned a supermarket and souvenir shop. They set up bus company Wanaka ConneXions and Lynne set up the Alpine Community Development Trust (Community Networks), becoming its inaugural chairperson.

Lynne was also chair of Women’s Probus & Travel Club, held treasury positions with the RSA, U3A, the Presbyterian Church and Concert Society; she found speakers for Grandview Probus and worked with Queenstown Lakes District Council on the Wanaka Town Centre Strategy Committee

Lynn Fegan responding to her award.

Ralph is a familiar Wanaka identity, known for his community work. He has worked with victim support, been chair of Lake Wanaka Tourism, is active on the RSA committee, civil defence and fire brigade, as well as a justice of the peace and wedding and funeral celebrant.

George said Ralph is passionate about Wanaka Airport and the Wanaka community. Other people are foremost in his mind and often his prioritising of the needs of others is to his own personal detriment, not that you would ever hear that from him, George said.

“The members of the Rotary Club of Wanaka acknowledge the wonderful dedication, work ethic and enthusiasm that Ralph and Lynne have brought to the local Wanaka community,” George said.

A Paul Harris Fellowship Award is recognition for outstanding work and contribution both to Rotary and to the community.

It was in 1905 that Paul Harris, an American, founded the Rotary Organisation. The award in his name is held in high regard throughout the Rotary world.

PHOTOS: Pip O'Regan