Historical Society member receives New Year Honour

Heather at the repaired grave of WW1 soldier Robert Cooper, for which she was responsible as part of her work with WW100 Tauranga committee. Photo supplied by Fiona Kean.

Respected genealogist and Tauranga Historical Society member Heather McLean, has received a Queen’s Service Medal for her services to genealogy and historical research in the 2019 New Year Honours. In October 2018 Heather was the recipient of Tauranga Heritage Award.

Interviewed by the Bay of Plenty Times, Heather said that the QSM came as a “wonderful” surprise and that “Genealogy is a bit like a rash … It’s like an allergy. You start, and that’s it, you keep going.”

 “Heather … was born in Tauranga in 1937 and has lived here most of her life. She is an expert genealogist and researcher, with 46 years experience of collecting useful data and delving into family history. Heather is well known for using her super-sleuth research skills to help others in their quest for genealogical knowledge.” Western Bay Women: Celebrating 125 Years of Women’s Suffrage