Pinay in NZ awarded with Queen’s Service Medal

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipina in New Zealand has received the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for her services to the Filipino community.

Gladys Grace Stephens accepted the QSM from His Excellency Lieutenant General The Rt. Hon. Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor General of New Zealand, during the Investiture Ceremony at Government House in Auckland last month.

Stephens moved to New Zealand in 1988. She has been giving her services to refugee and migrant settlers in Hamilton since the early 1990s.

In 2002, she took the lead volunteer role as Event and Program manager for Shama Hamilton Ethnic Women’s Center Trust, where she serves to this day as a Trustee on the Shama Board. She also served as Justice of the Peace in Hamilton.

Stephens was also played a role in the establishment of the Waikato Filipino Association (WFA) that aims to preserve and promote Philippine culture in the Waikato Region, which is home to about 800 Filipinos.

Since 2005, she has directed and developed school holiday programs in Hamilton for children and helped run an eight-week Filipino language course for children between 8 and 14 years old which is held every Sunday.

Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia Benavidez described Stephens as “a shining example of a Filipina blessed with so much talent and a generous heart as she shares her time and resources to promote Filipino cultural heritage and make a difference in the lives of the Filipino community in Hamilton”.

“New Zealand's recognition of her sterling qualities and sacrificial service to both the local and Filipino communities bring much pride and honor to the Philippines and the Filipino people," she added.

The embassy also presented a Certificate of Commendation to Stephens for her active and dynamic role in enhancing the positive image of the Philippines as the home of world-class talents, and elevating the status and profile of the Filipino community as among the best migrant groups who have integrated themselves well in the local communities and contributed to development activities and programs throughout New Zealand.

The Queen’s Service Medal was instituted in New Zealand in 1975 to recognize voluntary service to the community. Recipients of the Medal may use the letters "QSM" after their name. Persons who are not New Zealand citizens or citizens of Commonwealth nations of which The Queen is head of state, may be awarded an "Honorary" Medal.