Thomas Michael (Mike) Gray
For services to local government and the community
Citation: Mike Gray was a South Wairarapa District Councillor for 12 years between 1992 and 2013, including time chairing the Planning Hearings and as Deputy Mayor, and served on the Greytown and Featherston Community Boards between 2016 and 2022.
While with the Local Government Training Board from 1978 to 1982, Mr Gray had a pivotal role in establishing the New Zealand Certificate in Local Government Administration. He was involved in amalgamation discussions for Greytown Borough Council, Martinborough Council and Featherston County Council, helping establish three community boards still in operation within the South Wairarapa District Council today. He chaired the Greytown Community Hall refurbishment committee from 2003, delivering a successful, award-winning project by 2008. He was a committee member for the establishment of Wairarapa Voice Inc in 2017, which aimed to foster an informed citizen response to the Local Government Commission for the amalgamation of the three Wairarapa District Councils. He then helped form Citizens Promoting Quality Community Governance, which meets regularly with South Wairarapa District Council. He served on the Greytown Lands Trust from 2007 to 2019. He helped create the Cliffhanger motorcycle hill climb event in Gladstone in 2002, which has since been held annually. Mr Gray was involved in athletics administration and coaching from 1953 to 1977.
