Manawatu Rosarian Kee Teo has been honoured with the Frank Penn Memorial Award for service to a local rose society. The award, which is presented annually by the New Zealand Rose Society, recognises outstanding service to one of the local rose societies around New Zealand. In the 52 years the award has been presented, Kee is the 5th recipient from Manawatu following on from Peter Elliott (2013), Stuart Pinfold (2005), June Hocking (1996) and Nola Simpson (1984).
Kee has been a member of the Manawatu Rose Society since 1974 and was made a life member in 2012. Currently serving as Vice President and Newsletter editor, Kee was first elected onto the committee in 1996. “Kee produces our newsletter to a very high standard and it is highly regarded by those who receive it” says Hayden Foulds, President of the Manawatu Rose Society.
A regular exhibitor at the local Manawatu Rose Show, Kee is often found helping out with the many duties that are required to make it a success. He is also a National Rose judge and is often called upon to judge at other local rose shows
Kee has also represented the Manawatu Rose Society on the International Rose Trial Ground committee for more than 30 years and has spent many hours assisting with the collation of the scores and giving tuition to new judges. He is probably also the longest-serving trial ground judge.
