Hamilton honours reluctant Bayani

By Mel Fernandez
   Editor, Migrant News

Gladys Stephens has never sought fame or glory. But her outstanding volunteer work has made her a community service hero. And from time to time, she receives public recognition for her dedication and valuable contribution to society.

She was one of 13 worthy recipients to receive the Hamilton Civic Awards for 2009. “It was a surprise to me,” says Gladys. Regarded as one of the city's highest honours, anyone who has made an exceptional contribution to Hamilton can be nominated for a Civic Award.

Gladys received the Award from Hamilton City Mayor Bob Simcock, at a ceremony in the Hamilton City Council Chambers on 11 December. The Mayor said that the Hamilton Civic Awards are all about recognising the "exceptional people in our midst".

"These awards celebrate the dedicated members of our community whose personal commitment and generosity help to make Hamilton the great city it is," he added. In 2008 Gladys received a prestigious Certificate of Appreciation from the New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Councils in recognition of her valuable contribution to ethnic communities of the Waikato, an indication of how much her work has affected people in the wider community.

For more than 21 years Gladys has given voluntary service to refugee and migrant settlers in Hamilton.

According to a Hamilton City Council report, her “many years of voluntary service have been carried out wholeheartedly, enhancing the wellbeing of many people and organizations in Hamilton.”

“Her exceptional leadership qualities, skills and charitable heart saw her embark on establishing structural framework to support and assist new arrivals immigrating to New Zealand with integration into their new society.

“In the early 1990’s Gladys assisted and directed the establishment of the Waikato Filipino Association.

“The Association embarked on a programme to form a platform for immigrant people to keep an independent cultural identity while settling and assimilating into the New Zealand culture.”

Gladys has never aspired to be the President of the Association and was content to be its Treasurer and its contact person.

“Gladys still plays a strong role on the Association and represents the Filipino Association and the Filipino community at large.” She can be seen helping in the Association’s booth at the Migrant Expo or chaperoning their cultural group at various ethnic functions.

She also helps run an 8-week Tagalog course for children. Between 8-14 children attend the course, which is held once a year on Sundays.

“Gladys also worked with Social Services for families along with advocacy and referrals for higher education.”

“In 2002 Gladys took over the volunteer role of Events and Programme manager for Shama Hamilton Ethnic Women’s Centre Trust, today she is a Trustee on the Shama Board.

“Gladys’ commitment to the community has also led her to take on the role of a Justice of the Peace, appropriate for her strong desire to serve her community. She is also a committee member on the Westside J.P. Branch.

“Since 2005 she has directed and developed School Holiday programmes for children.”

Gladys settled in Hamilton in 1988 after marrying her kiwi husband, Ron, in the Philippines. She said it was not difficult to move here, as her husband and the community had been very supportive.

“We try to help and support each other and we always get involved in cultural activities,” she said.

Her family is still in the Philippines but she tries to visit once a year or at least once every second year.

She said she enjoyed the quieter life in New Zealand but said she did miss the shopping in the Philippines.

- Some of the information for this article provided by Hamilton City Council.