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Heather Ayrton

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Heather Ayrton
Born
Catherine Heather Donaldson

1934
Died24 May 2024 (aged 89-90)
Occupation(s)journalist, justice of the peace, coroner
Known forQueen's Service Medal recipient

Catherine Heather Ayrton (née Donaldson; 1934–2024) was a New Zealand coroner, journalist, and community heritage and conservation advocate. After becoming a Justice of the Peace in 1975 she was appointed coroner for the Bay of Islands, the second woman to hold the position. She was a journalist for the New Zealand Herald for 35 years.[1]

Ayrton joined the committee of the Northland branch of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust in 1984, and then Heritage Northland in 2015.[2] She supported many other community groups, acting as patron for Hokianga Historical Society[3] and Chair of the Northland Conservation Board among other roles.[4]

In 1998 she was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for her community activities.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Heather Ayrton JP calls it a day". Northland Age. 26 February 2015. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  2. ^ O'Hare, John. "Farewell Heather". Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  3. ^ Whaley, Alexa. "Hokianga Historical Society Newsletter September 2016" (PDF). Hokianga Historical Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Minister announces new Northland lottery appointments". Beehive.govt.nz. New Zealand Government. 14 January 2010. Archived from the original on 19 February 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  5. ^ "OBITUARY: Heather Ayrton, Northland identity and fierce supporter of the country's heritage". Northern Advocate. 31 May 2024. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.