More than 100 locals turned out for the unveiling of a new plaque commemorating the Malcolm Hahn Memorial Reserve in Whenuapai.
The granite sign, the first of its kind by the Auckland Council, sits behind the Whenuapai Hall outside the tennis court which Malcolm fought so hard for.
The Whenuapai stalwart died last year aged 79.
Malcom was six times New Zealand javelin champion during the 1950s and was the first New Zealand athlete to throw more than 70m.
Malcolm’s wife Elaine, his sister Lorraine, a grandson and a great-grandson together unveiled the plaque.
Malcolm and Elaine’s former neighbour and friend, Rawiri Pene, blessed the rock, and the Hahn family ukulele band, Tahini Jam, played throughout the morning.
The words on the plaque are apt, say locals.
‘This reserve is dedicated to MALCOLM HAHN, QSM, an elite athlete, unrelenting champion of the Whenuapai community and Upper Harbour and devoted family man’.