PHOTO: ODT FILESDouglas Brenssell, who received the King’s Service Medal, has been active in the Hāwea community for the past 25 years. "That’s not what it’s about, it’s about doing things for the betterment of the community and helping people." He has also been a committee member of the Hāwea Community Association and Hāwea Picnic Racing Club as well as a founding member of the Hāwea Domain Board and the Upper Clutha community patrol. Mr Brenssell spent 16 years as part of the Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade, also serving as chief fire officer. In 2012 he was the recipient of the Hāwea Volunteer of the Year award.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 17, 2026 15:46 UTC