High Honour Accorded to Kapiti Resident
 
The Rotary Club of Kapiti recently recognised the consistent contributions and achievements of one of its members, namely Captain John Granville RNZN (retired) spanning some 53 years of service. “We recognise his service to the nation, to Rotary the organisation, to  our community, both  local and  international, and to people of all ages, creeds and ethnicity. This person is a true Kiwi; a good bloke who has shown that he will quite literally do anything for anybody”, said the Club President Chris Tchernagovski
 
Following a 35 year career in the service of his nation, including the prestigious command of HMNZS Canterbury, the Leander Class Frigate, there have followed nearly 19 years of impressive service of a quite different kind.  This includes chairman, membership and support of at least 3 charitable trusts. He has served as President, chair of multiple committees and secretary, as well as oft repeated tenure as Vice President of the Kapiti Rotary Club, supporting many new Presidents in their duties and their personal development paths. 
 
This member has held lengthy appointments at Rotary District level, including Assistant District Governor and District Youth Chair and co-chaired a ground breaking action Central Rotary District conference in 2014.
 
 John Granville has been a Member and served variously on the Executive of The Paraparaumu Memorial RSA since 2008.  He has been a lynchpin of the welfare support to local veterans and their widows as well as being a strong vocal and active supporter of the rescue initiative which, in partnership with the Kapiti Club, saved the Paraparaumu Memorial RSA from descending into all but memory. As the co-chair of a 2014 WW1 centenary concert at Southwards he was responsible for a significant sum of money being raised to support local youth services and veterans welfare.
 
“In particular, this member’s contribution to support and development of our youth is worthy of special mention. It covers physical and mental health development and education in the arts and sciences as well as support to the development and growth of young local business and community leaders. As chair of the Rotary District 9940 Youth Committee he has enabled, supported and participated in some of Rotary’s most important programmes such as RYLA and RYPEN”, said the President.
 
Since 1996 he has been tutoring Kapiti regional boat users in the art of inshore navigation raising awareness and safety standards in the Kapiti Recreational boating community through the Coastguard Boating Education Service.
 
Mr Granville’s work with charities over his years of service have contributed to the raising of hundreds of thousands of dollars subsequently disbursed through his involvement with charitable trusts to the widest range of local community, national and international good causes.
 
A recipient of a Fred Burns award in 2000/01, a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2006/07, The Jack Donaldson award in 2012/13, A District Sapphire pin in 2013/14 and more recently the Selly Hyde trophy, awarded only 3 times since its creation, this member has earned much deserved recognition as a Rotarian.
 
“But what marks this member’s service more than anything else is his selflessness and humility, his generosity of spirit and seemingly limitless belief in the the inherent goodness and potential of the people with whom he comes into contact.  He is fond of describing himself as an ordinary Rotarian.  The truth is that he is an effective, but quietly inspiring leader, mentor and coach, whose contribution seems never ending, delivered with mischievous humour, charm and an energy that eclipses many younger than he.  He has never sought nor would he ever expect any of the recognition afforded him over his many years of service, said Chris Tchernagovski, The Kapiti Rotary President.