Years of community dedication recognised | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

Gordon Freeman's long-lasting dedication to helping the community has been recognised with a Civic Award. The 52-year-old Redwood resident said he was humbled to be receiving an award but more surprised at how much of his community involvement was included.

"You don't expect some of it to ever been mentioned,'' he said.

"I was pleased it was noted that I've spent a lot of time supporting financially (Our Lady of) Fatima School and the Salvation Army," he said. Although Freeman is best known for his 24-year stint in local body government, he started out as a scout leader and coach of the Belfast Rugby Club in the 1970's.

In the late 1970's he set up a rural garden competition, and also lends his services as a Justice of the Peace and marriage celebrant, and as an advocate for housing for the elderly and childcare at Belfast.

He said he lives his life through the community and the people he meets and works with.

"People have lots of needs and sometimes someone has to try to do something to help,'' he said.

"It's rewarding because every day is a challenge and, after all, in life even in business you don't deal in dollars, you deal in people.''

Freeman became involved in local government in the early 1980's, spending time on the Waimairi District Council, Shirley-Papanui community board and five terms as a Christchurch City Councillor.

He ended his term with an unsuccessful campaign for the mayoralty in 1998. Freeman said one of his regrets was that he gave up his council seat in 1998 as he lost touch with his constituents.

"One of the last things I ever did was argue very strongly for the development of the Groynes. I was pretty rapt at the time as I fought very hard to get the developments," he said.

He also worked closely with Vicki Buck to guide the development of Jade Stadium. "There's some sort of satisfaction to see it used today for the sporting events and concerts," he said.

These days, Freeman is busy seven days a week operating his hotel and restaurant businesses.