Issue 247
Local News for Local Communities
Wednesday 29th July 2026
Phone: 03 318 7450 | Email: info@malvernnews.co.nz | Web: www.malvernnews.co.nz Got something Newsworthy? Let us know too!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Big Sleepout Page 2
Fencing and Property Maintenance Feature Pages 6-7
Local Technician Named Jahn Deer Finalist Page 8
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KING'S SERVICE MEDAL HONOURS SELWYN COMMUNITY CHAMPION Selwyn is shaped by the outstanding people in our community, and this month we recognise Mrs Agnes Abuel-Guda of Rolleston who was honoured with a Kings Service Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours list. Agnes has supported various community initiatives in Canterbury since 2008, been active with the South Island’s Filipino community and held offices with Filipino and multiethnic non-profit organisations. On Facebook, Mrs Abuel-Guda said she was “deeply honoured and truly humbled” to receive the King’s Service Medal for service to the Filipino community. “This is such a huge recognition for a Filipino like me to be awarded by His Majesty, The King. This is one, if not the highest and most prestigious honours I could receive in service in my entire life, and I accept it with a heart full of gratitude and awe. I am truly humbled to be entrusted with something of this magnitude. And what makes this even more meaningful is that New Zealand, my adoptive country, has recognised the work I have been called to do. To my adoptive home, Aotearoa, thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow, serve and contribute in a purposeful way. She has served with the Philippine Society of Canterbury, Canterbury Philippines Assistance Group, Pinoy Cares Canterbury, the Ministry of Ethnic Communities, Selwyn Central Community Care Board, Selwyn Civil Defence Community Response Team, and Canterbury Ballers Club Trust. She also co-established Hiraya Charitable Trust in 2025, founded Kalinga Women’s Support in 2023, mentored learner drivers, and volunteered with the Kabayan Filipino radio programme. Her service has been recognised by Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and the Philippine Embassy. "This King's Service Medal reminded me that our stories and our voices are not limitations but are powerful assets that shape more inclusive communities."
Mrs Agnes Abuel-Guda, who received a King’s Service Medal in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for service to the Filipino community, recently completed the Ethnic Women’s Leadership Training Programme.
♦ Weekly Newspaper
(Malvern News) & Monthly Newspaper (Rolleston News) ♦ Business Cards ♦ Photocopying ♦ Laminating ♦ Binding
DEADLINES: Editorial Tuesday 18 August ‘26 | Advertising Wednesday 19 August ‘26