James Eyers

James Eyers, Wanganui, received the Queen's Service Medal for services to music and the community.  Mr Eyers has contributed to music in the Wanganui/Manawatu region for more than 50 years.  He has been involved in brass bands for all this time; playing principally with the Wanganui Garrison Band.  He was a member of the National Band of New Zealand in 1953 and a member of the National Māori Band in 1990.  He was a founding member of the National Male Choir of New Zealand in 1999.  He has been involved with the St Andrew's Church Choir for more than 50 years, of which he was the conductor and musical director for many years.  He has been involved with the Wanganui Lyric Singers for more than 30 years.  He is involved with the Rotary Reading Programme, and is involved with the Matarawa Probus Club.  Mr Eyers has also been an Elder of St James Presbyterian Church at Wanganui East for more than 50 years and has been involved in all the church's musical activities.