Heather Ayrton
Heather Ayrton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Catherine Heather Donaldson 20 April 1934 |
| Died | 24 May 2024 (aged 90) |
| Occupations |
|
| Known for | Queen's Service Medal recipient |
| Spouse |
Robin William John Ayrton
(died 1988) |
Catherine Heather Ayrton QSM JP (née Donaldson; 20 April 1934 – 24 May 2024) was a New Zealand coroner, journalist, and community heritage and conservation advocate.
Biography
[edit]After becoming a justice of the peace in 1975, Ayrton was appointed coroner for the Bay of Islands, the second woman to hold the position. She was a journalist for the New Zealand Herald for 35 years.[1]
Ayrton joined the committee of the Northland branch of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust in 1984, and then Heritage Northland in 2015.[2] She supported many other community groups, acting as patron for Hokianga Historical Society[3] and chair of the Northland Conservation Board, among other roles.[4]
In the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours, Ayrton was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for public services.[5]
Ayrton died on 24 May 2024, at the age of 90.[5] She had been predeceased by her husband Robin William John Ayrton in 1988, and was buried with him at Kaikohe Cemetery.[5][6]
References
[edit]- ^ "Heather Ayrton JP calls it a day". Northland Age. 26 February 2015. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ O'Hare, John. "Farewell Heather". Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ Whaley, Alexa. "Hokianga Historical Society Newsletter September 2016" (PDF). Hokianga Historical Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ "Minister announces new Northland lottery appointments". Beehive.govt.nz. New Zealand Government. 14 January 2010. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ a b c "Obituary: Heather Ayrton, Northland identity and fierce supporter of the country's heritage". Northern Advocate. 31 May 2024. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ "Memorial information: Robin William John Ayrton". Far North District Council. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
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