After a lifetime of service with Camp Quality New Zealand John Green is stepping down as the Auckland/Northland Regional Manager, but he won't be lost to the charity he has supported for more than 25 years.

 The Buckland's Beach resident had his first contact with CQNZ back in 1985, the year it was established in New Zealand, through his local Lions Club.  He took part in a fundraising activity to help launch the first summer camp for youngsters suffering with cancer in West Auckland, and his involvement in the organisation only grew stronger.

He went onto the Regional Committee in 2000, with wife Sue joining him a year later.  He served as the Camp Manager for four years and for the last six years as the Auckland/Northland Regional Manager.

 At this year's just completed summer camp at Wesley College in Paerata, attended by more than 170 young campers, companions and volunteer staff, he was formally thanked by CQNZ Chairman, Gary Troup "for his amazing contribution which I don't think will ever be matched.

 "There aren't any words to adequately describe just what John – and Sue – have done across so many levels, and for so long.  I know over the last 10 years many of their weekends have been given up to make life more enjoyable for those young people aged between 5-16 in the region suffering with cancer and their families."

 John says he won't be lost to Camp Quality, and Chairman Troup intends to ensure that doesn't occur.  "We just can't afford to lose him," he says.