Ernie Rouse
The late Ernie Rouse, of Napier, received the Queen's Service Medal for services to entertainment. The award was received by his son, Kevin Rouse. Ernie Rouse was involved with entertaining as a jazz musician, piano player, and band leader in the Hawke's Bay region for 50 years. He formed the Ernie Rouse Trad Jazz Band in 1958 and with the band, he staged many live performances throughout the North Island and organised and played at balls, tea dances, and community functions. He entertained in various capacities, including at the Art Deco week in Napier. He was instrumental in reforming the Hawke's Bay Jazz Club Big Band in 1991 and was a member of the Napier Technical Memorial Band. He has been a member of the governing committee of St Luke's Church for 10 years, where he instituted the choir.