Across New Zealand, the King’s Birthday Honours recognise individuals whose contributions have strengthened communities and shaped the nation. In 2026, recipients were acknowledged for their impact across areas including community service, governance, education and social wellbeing. Steve’s recognition sits firmly within this tradition—honouring a lifetime of voluntary leadership that has often taken place behind the scenes, but has had a lasting and practical effect on the lives of others.

Some leadership quietly shapes communities for decades. Steve’s contribution to Visionwest began in 2004. Over 19 years of voluntary governance, he played a significant role in guiding the organisation through periods of growth and increasing complexity. During this time, Visionwest expanded its services across housing, healthcare, food support, employment, counselling and wider community programmes—reaching thousands of whānau each year.

But Steve’s contribution has never been limited to one organisation. Across more than two decades, he has served in governance and leadership roles within a wide range of faith-based, charitable and community organisations throughout Aotearoa. This includes significant involvement with groups such as the Baptist Foundation and Community Waitākere, where he was known for combining strong financial stewardship with a deep commitment to social justice and community outcomes.

As Visionwest Chief Executive Lisa Woolley ONZM reflects:

“Steve is exceptionally hard working, passionate, dedicated and community minded. He has added so much to the governance and strategic direction of Visionwest over the last two decades, always keeping our vision and mission at the centre of what we do.”

What makes Steve’s leadership remarkable is not just his governance expertise, but the way he understands governance as service. In roles such as Treasurer and Trustee, he has consistently ensured that financial decisions are grounded in real-life impact—connecting strategy and resources back to the people and communities they exist to serve. Colleagues have often reflected on his ability to translate complexity into clarity, helping boards make decisions that are both responsible and mission-driven.

His leadership has also been marked by a steady, principled approach during times of challenge. Whether helping organisations navigate growth, sector change, or the pressures brought by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Steve has contributed stability, careful stewardship, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. At HBH Group, for example, his governance leadership supported continued care for older people and the expansion of services such as affordable housing and initiatives to reduce isolation among seniors.

Alongside this, Steve has consistently championed community-led solutions and approaches grounded in equity and partnership. He brings a deep respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and works to ensure organisations are shaped by values that prioritise dignity, inclusion, and long-term wellbeing. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, strengthening governance practice, or supporting community initiatives, he leads with humility, integrity, and purpose.

Those who have worked alongside Steve often speak of both his generosity and his willingness to ask the hard questions—holding organisations to account while encouraging them to live out their mission more fully. His influence is not always visible in headlines, but it is evident in stronger organisations, more resilient communities, and better outcomes for the people they serve.

This honour recognises not only a lifetime of contribution, but also the quiet, consistent way Steve has served others over many years. His legacy can be seen in the organisations he has helped guide, the leaders he has supported, and the many communities that have been strengthened through his work.

Congratulations Steve on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for the leadership, wisdom and heart you have brought to Visionwest and to communities across Aotearoa.