Warrant Officer Neil Roberts (MC05-0036-02)
4 January 2009
The Queen has awarded Warrant Officer (WOSA) Neil Roberts the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) in her New Years Honours list.
Warrant Officer Roberts joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1974, and has served as the Warrant Officer of the Navy since January 2006.
His is a demanding role, and one that requires specific skills and commitment. During his time as the Warrant Officer of the RNZN, WOSA Roberts has been especially effective in exercising an international influence at a level not previously achieved. He was instrumental in arranging the first ever regional Navies’ Warrant Officers’ seminar in Auckland, an event that established a benchmark other Navies now strive to emulate, and has established particularly effective networks with his counterparts overseas, enhancing the reputation of the RNZN and opening a range of experiential and personal development opportunities for RNZN senior ratings.
WOSA Roberts has also worked closely with the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet to develop an enhanced programme in Hawaii for the Navy’s ‘sailors of the year’, and has pioneered a comprehensive range of international engagement activities with other Navies.
WOSA Roberts was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1998.
The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration
The New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration recognises exceptional military service, by regular, territorial or reserve members of the New Zealand Defence Force. Until 1995 outstanding military service was recognised by awards of the British Empire Medal (Military Division).
The Decoration can be awarded to all military ranks within the New Zealand Defence Force, or to uniformed members of allied forces operating alongside units of the NZDF. The Decoration acknowledges outstanding performance of military duties (in both warlike and non-warlike operations), as well as individual efforts toward peacetime and humanitarian service, through exceptional devotion to duty, dedication, judgement and skills.
The Distinguished Service Decoration may be awarded for a singular accomplishment or instance of extraordinary performance of duty, or for superior cumulative efforts over a sustained period of time.
The Decoration ranks as a sixth level award and takes precedence immediately following The New Zealand Antarctic Medal. Recipients may use the letters “DSD” after their name.
Other recipients of the DSD in 2009, are:
- Gunner Phillip John MANNING, Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery.
- Colonel George Sean TRENGROVE, M.V.O. Colonel’s List, New Zealand Army (Territorial Force).
- Warrant Officer Class Two John Francis WEEL Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery.