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Keith Trembath Honoured with New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Hauraki Coromandel, New Zealand – December 2024 – Keith Trembath has been awarded the title of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of his extensive contributions to public service, agriculture, and education nationally.
In receiving this prestigious honour, Trembath expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his life, particularly his family and the generations before him who set the standard for service to the community.
“I would like to thank the individuals who thought I was deserving of this award and for managing the extensive paperwork involved. I also want to express my deepest appreciation to my wife, Judith, of 52 years, and our children Kelly-Anne, Jared, and Logan, for their love, support, and encouragement,” said Trembath.
Trembath also acknowledged the legacy of his ancestors and the community leaders who paved the way for his own service, particularly members of his family, including:
He also paid tribute to colleagues from the Hauraki District Council, including Basil Morrison, Popeye Challis, Bruce Gordon, Sel Baker, and Mike Hayden, who were instrumental in the development of the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Throughout his life, Trembath has been a dedicated advocate for the community, particularly in the areas of health, education, and agriculture. He has consistently championed practical solutions, such as:
Trembath has also been an active supporter of initiatives promoting health and well-being. He has worked closely with Life Education Trust, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering young people to make healthy choices. Trembath expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Life Education Trust team members, particularly Bruce Smith, and Frances Nichol. “Thank you for your friendship and confidence in what we were trying to achieve to encourage our communities,” said Trembath.
Additionally, Keith has long supported the work of St John, especially in the context of local community health and emergency services. He has worked alongside numerous dedicated St John volunteers and staff, recognizing their tireless efforts in serving the public. Special mention to Jackie Thorne, a heartfelt thank you!
Trembath has also spoken out on issues related to women’s education, inspired by global examples such as Bangladesh, where investing in women’s education has proven to uplift an entire economy. His strong belief is encapsulated by the words of Celia Lashlie: “It is through working with the women that we will change the destiny of the children.”
As a long-time dairy and sheep farmer, of over 55 years, Keith has been a passionate advocate for New Zealand’s agricultural industry (Federated Farmers Member Since 1978, reaching to President of Hauraki/Coromandel. Pre-Fonterra, committee-man of NZ Dairy Group, 15 years. Deputy Chair of Meat and Wool at Federated Farmers, 6 Years. Founding Director of multiple roles – AG-ITO, known as Primary Industries ITO). He expressed his concern over the lack of support for the wool industry and the promotion of synthetic alternatives, which are harmful to the environment.
Trembath also praised Dr. Doug Edmeades (ONZM) for his dedication to holding the fertilizer industry to high standards of integrity and science. Looking forward, I believe Peter McBride will take Fonterra to unbelievable heights.
Reflecting on his achievements, Trembath shared his pride in contributing to his community and country, stating, “I’ve always been proud to be a farmer, helping feed New Zealand and the world. It’s been a privilege to serve my community, and I will continue to do so as long as I am able.”
As a final note, Trembath expressed his deep appreciation for the friends who helped him light the cross on his farm—a beacon of reflection and blessing for those in the Hauraki district. “Thank you to Andreas, Ben, Gene, and Sam for your support in making this vision a reality,” he said.
Keith Trembath’s recognition with the MNZM is a testament to his lifelong dedication to service, his community, and his unwavering commitment to making a difference in New Zealand.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Keith Trembath (MNZM)
+ 64 (07) 862 6833
RD4 Paeroa 3674
[email protected]
[email protected]
Hauraki Coromandel, New Zealand – December 2024 – Keith Trembath has been awarded the title of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of his extensive contributions to public service, agriculture, and education nationally.
In receiving this prestigious honour, Trembath expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his life, particularly his family and the generations before him who set the standard for service to the community.
“I would like to thank the individuals who thought I was deserving of this award and for managing the extensive paperwork involved. I also want to express my deepest appreciation to my wife, Judith, of 52 years, and our children Kelly-Anne, Jared, and Logan, for their love, support, and encouragement,” said Trembath.
Trembath also acknowledged the legacy of his ancestors and the community leaders who paved the way for his own service, particularly members of his family, including:
- Francis Trembath – Mayor of Thames
- Frank Court – Wairarapa, South County Council
- Bob Lowry – Ohinemuri County Council
- Percy Sutton – Founder and Director, Te Aroha Thames Valley Dairy Company
- Arthur Sutton – Ohinemuri County Council
- George Trembath – Trembath’s father, who contributed to numerous community organizations, including Federated Farmers, Scouts, School Committees, and more.
He also paid tribute to colleagues from the Hauraki District Council, including Basil Morrison, Popeye Challis, Bruce Gordon, Sel Baker, and Mike Hayden, who were instrumental in the development of the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Throughout his life, Trembath has been a dedicated advocate for the community, particularly in the areas of health, education, and agriculture. He has consistently championed practical solutions, such as:
- Advocating for the forgiveness of student loans for doctors and nurses as a means to retain and return medical professionals in New Zealand.
- Proposing Kiwibank as the government’s preferred banking option, to ensure local ownership and control.
- Supporting water metering initiatives in all local body councils to reduce water wastage and ensure accountability.
Trembath has also been an active supporter of initiatives promoting health and well-being. He has worked closely with Life Education Trust, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering young people to make healthy choices. Trembath expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Life Education Trust team members, particularly Bruce Smith, and Frances Nichol. “Thank you for your friendship and confidence in what we were trying to achieve to encourage our communities,” said Trembath.
Additionally, Keith has long supported the work of St John, especially in the context of local community health and emergency services. He has worked alongside numerous dedicated St John volunteers and staff, recognizing their tireless efforts in serving the public. Special mention to Jackie Thorne, a heartfelt thank you!
Trembath has also spoken out on issues related to women’s education, inspired by global examples such as Bangladesh, where investing in women’s education has proven to uplift an entire economy. His strong belief is encapsulated by the words of Celia Lashlie: “It is through working with the women that we will change the destiny of the children.”
As a long-time dairy and sheep farmer, of over 55 years, Keith has been a passionate advocate for New Zealand’s agricultural industry (Federated Farmers Member Since 1978, reaching to President of Hauraki/Coromandel. Pre-Fonterra, committee-man of NZ Dairy Group, 15 years. Deputy Chair of Meat and Wool at Federated Farmers, 6 Years. Founding Director of multiple roles – AG-ITO, known as Primary Industries ITO). He expressed his concern over the lack of support for the wool industry and the promotion of synthetic alternatives, which are harmful to the environment.
Trembath also praised Dr. Doug Edmeades (ONZM) for his dedication to holding the fertilizer industry to high standards of integrity and science. Looking forward, I believe Peter McBride will take Fonterra to unbelievable heights.
Reflecting on his achievements, Trembath shared his pride in contributing to his community and country, stating, “I’ve always been proud to be a farmer, helping feed New Zealand and the world. It’s been a privilege to serve my community, and I will continue to do so as long as I am able.”
As a final note, Trembath expressed his deep appreciation for the friends who helped him light the cross on his farm—a beacon of reflection and blessing for those in the Hauraki district. “Thank you to Andreas, Ben, Gene, and Sam for your support in making this vision a reality,” he said.
Keith Trembath’s recognition with the MNZM is a testament to his lifelong dedication to service, his community, and his unwavering commitment to making a difference in New Zealand.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Keith Trembath (MNZM)
+ 64 (07) 862 6833
RD4 Paeroa 3674
[email protected]
[email protected]
© Kelly O'Hara