King’s Service Medal recipient honoured
Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell with Bill Donaldson, KSM, at today’s investiture ceremony hosted by Invercargill City Council
Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell said he was privileged to present the medal to Donaldson on behalf of His Majesty King Charles.
“Bill has demonstrated a spirit of community and generosity over many years, and his continued advocacy and leadership has had a profound impact on the lives of others,” he said.
“His tireless work has made a lasting contribution not only to the people of Southland, but to people throughout New Zealand. It was an honour to be able to play a role in congratulating him today.”
The New Zealand Honours system was one of the nation’s highest forms of recognition, and celebrated individuals whose service, leadership, and achievements had made a lasting difference to the community. It reminded us of the value of contribution, citizenship, and the positive impact one person could have on the lives of others.
Donaldson’s citation noted he had made a significant contribution to the Southland construction industry and community cricket for more than 50 years.
“Mr Donaldson is founder and Managing Director of Donaldson Construction Services. He has led the construction of significant public, commercial, and civic developments in Southland, including the Southland Hospital redevelopment, the St Mary’s Basilica restoration, and the Southern Institute of Technology,” it said.
“He has been involved with Site Safe New Zealand since its establishment, becoming one of only five people awarded a life membership to the organisation. He ensured all staff and contractors receive advanced site safety training and maintained the Gold Level SiteWise accreditation for over a decade. He contributed to the Otago Southland Construction Health and Safety Liaison Group, where he encouraged industry leaders to collaborate on construction safety initiatives.
“He has been involved with Southland cricket for more than 50 years in governance roles, administration, and as a former player. He served as President of Appleby Cricket Club and President of the Southland Cricket Association. He co-authored Appleby Cricket Club’s centennial commemoration book ‘Across the Centuries’, and compiled records for more than 1200 matches dating from 1900. Mr Donaldson was awarded Life Memberships of Southland Cricket Association and the Appleby Cricket Club,” it said.
Council also flew its Coat of Arms to mark the significant occasion.
