Pauline Herron Honoured For Lifetime Of Service

At an emotional event at the Riversdale Community Centre, local legend Pauline Herron was presented with a Community Service Award, recognising her lifelong commitment to helping others across northern Southland.

Southland District Mayor-elect Rob Scott presented the award, with Richard Clarkson from the Ardlussa Community Board also in attendance. A large crowd filled the venue, giving Mrs Herron a standing ovation to show their deep appreciation.

Mrs Herron has long been seen as the heart of her community — always generous with her time, humble in spirit, and passionate about service. Her journey began in the 1970s in Balfour, alongside her late husband Paul, where she first served as treasurer for Balfour Plunket, helping raise money for families and local projects.

She also gave her time to the Balfour squash and bowling clubs, later being made a life member of the squash club. In 1991, she joined the Balfour RSA Women’s Section, taking on the treasurer role in 1999 and remaining active for many years. She was awarded life membership, and later served as president of the RSA Southland Provincial Council Women’s Section from 2016 to 2018. During the RSA’s 80th anniversary in August 2024, she was again recognised with life membership.

After moving to Riversdale in the 2000s, Mrs Herron joined the Riversdale-Waimea Lions Club and served as president in 2006/2007. One of her most beloved initiatives was starting senior citizens’ luncheons, which became so popular they went from being held twice a year to every two months.

In 2005, she joined the Progress League (hall committee) and became vice-chairperson in 2007. She has led efforts to beautify local gardens and keep the community hall well maintained.

Mrs Herron also gives her time weekly to the Friends of the Hospital Gore programme, comforting patients and supporting nurses – often bringing homemade baking for staff. She volunteers with the Gore Cancer Society and has played a key role in Riversdale’s Daffodil Day efforts, helping the town achieve impressive fundraising results.

She also helps with bookkeeping and auditing for local groups like the Riversdale Volunteer Fire Brigade, where she has volunteered since 2005.

Mayor-elect Rob Scott noted the significance of the occasion. “Pauline’s award ceremony saw the largest turnout we have had in our Community Service Awards, reflecting the deep and lasting impact she has had across the community,” he said. “Her dedication spans generations, reaching all the way back to the 1970s, making her a truly deserving recipient – a genuine pillar of the community.”

Always ready to lend a hand, support a fundraiser, or simply share a smile, Mrs Herron is known as someone who quietly holds her community together – a perfect example of the spirit the Community Service Awards aim to honour.