‘Kings’ of care

Three Franklin community stalwarts have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.

Overall, 178 Kiwis across the country have been recognised, with the majority in the wider Auckland and Wellington areas.

Pukekohe’s Terese Marr has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to ADHD support and philanthropy.

Marr is the co-founder of the Runway Foundation and the TPT Group.

The award citation states that the Runway Foundation was established in 2015 in South Auckland and helps families navigate ADHD, its impacts on those diagnosed and their whānau.

Marr is a trustee and was the unremunerated chief executive of the charity from its inception until 2026. She led a dedicated team providing a range of services including kids’ clubs, youth coach programmes, parent support, counselling, awareness raising and events, supporting up to 400 children, youth and parents annually.

“She has personally led events, programmes and offered scholarships and mentoring, as well as helping develop resources on ADHD. TPT Group began in 1999 and now comprises businesses in electronic security, IT, technology innovation, leasing and property.

“She was active in the initial growth of the business, which has provided the principal funding source of the Runway Foundation since inception, with around $1.5 million going to the charity from her and her husband’s businesses to date.”

The support of the Runway Foundation and other local South Auckland charities, enterprises and schools was formalised by the TPT Group Holdings Board of independent directors in 2023, agreeing to allocate at least $250,000 per annum ahead of shareholder dividend distributions. Marr joined the board of Mission Without Borders in 2024, supporting families in Eastern Europe.

John and Patricia (Trish) Noble, of Ramarama, have each been awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to residential care.

The award citation states the couple established a long-term residential care facility for adults with severe and complex physical, psychological and behavioural issues in 2001, which has grown to include seven total houses.

“The facilities, under the banners of Solway Trust and Solway Vision, are family homes with around six or seven residents plus staff, located in rural areas and designed to help residents feel secure and happy in a family setting.

“Residents are included in the local community, attending local markets, shopping trips and other outings based on interest, with individual residents being taken on trips one at a time with an accompanying staff member.”