Councillor Diane Ammundsen awarded Queen's Service Medal in New Year's Honours

Councillor Diane Ammundsen has been awarded the Queen's Service Medal in the New Year’s Honours List.

Mayor Ross Church says the award is well deserved.

“Anyone who knows Diane will know she has devoted her life to this community.  She has served  as a district councillor for more than 25 years and done much to improve the lives of young people  through her work in  youth development. She is also active in environmental restoration and conservation and  founded and has been  part of many local  groups that work to improve our natural environment. 

“Diane is known for her boundless energy  - the word ‘dynamo’ is often used to describe her -  and is a skilled organiser with a reputation for getting things done.  The Coastlands Aquatic Centre benefitted hugely from her fundraising efforts, as a member of the Trust and she has been instrumental in Kāpiti getting a long-awaited youth development centre.   This award aptly comes during Diane’s last term as a councillor. Kāpiti owes her much.”  

AMMUNDSEN, Ms Diane Mary

For services to the community

Ms Diane Ammundsen has been a Councillor for the Kāpiti Coast District Council since 1989 and has contributed to the Kapiti community in a range of areas.

Ms Ammundsen became the Assistant District Commissioner Paraparaumu Beach Girl Guides District in 1975, before serving as District Commissioner of Paraparaumu Beach District from 1980 to 1989 and receiving several service awards. She has been active with the Kapiti Uniting Parish, serving on various church committees and taking a leadership role with Sunday schools and youth groups, and volunteering her time to support fundraising activities. She was involved in the establishment of the June Oakley Memorial Trust, which provides assistance and training to young people, and has been the Secretary of the Trust since 1987. She has been instrumental in the formation and continuance of a number of local environmental groups, and has contributed at both administration and hands on levels. These groups include Keep Kapiti Beautiful, Kapiti Environmental Action, Arbour Day in Schools, and Wharemauku Stream and Tikotu Stream Care and Restoration groups. Ms Ammundsen was appointed as a Trustee of the Kapiti Coast Multi-Purpose Aquatic and Recreation Centre Trust in 2008, and over a six year period headed the community funding activities to develop and build the centre.