Six New Zealand Defence Force people were on the 2010 New Year Honours list in which the Queen recognises those who have shown outstanding service to New Zealand.
To be a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM):
Warrant Officer Class One John Barclay, Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps
When John Barclay took on the role of Warrant Officer of the New Zealand Defence Force four years ago, he was entering unknown territory. It was a new role within the Defence Force, established to provide an interface between the Chief of Defence Force and non-commissioned personnel. The effort WO 1 Barclay has put into his role was recognised in the 2010 New Years Honours, when he was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. WO 1 Barclay has taken a keen interest in the training, educating and empowering of Defence Force people and has encouraged them to challenge the status quo. “We need every person at every level to be a thinker. We need people to question and evaluate what they do and look for changes that will make things better,” adding, “The award is not about me, but us as a Defence Force. The Defence Force is a great organisation, and every day personnel are striving to make it the best organisation. I am just one of many who are contributing toward this.”
To be an Additional Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit:
Colonel (Rtd) Richard Lewis HALL, OBE
Colonel Hall deployed to Afghanistan in 2008. His initial appointment was as Senior National Officer of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT). He soon developed a close working relationship with the Provincial Governor, prepared foundations for future New Zealand deployments to Bamyan and made improvements in the lives of the people in the Province. He continued to develop and enhance a strong and enduring professional relationship with the United States command chain and gained for the NZPRT assets and tactical support not previously allocated to the New Zealand contingent. Throughout his deployment he provided strategic vision and direction to the mission, while at the same time providing sound operational advice and options to the agencies in New Zealand that were tasked with the ongoing development of the New Zealand mission to Afghanistan.
To receive the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration:
Major Dougal Andrew Barker, Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps
MAJ Barker deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 and served as a patrol commander with the NZPRT in Bamyan. His patrol operated in the Khamard and Sayghan districts, two unstable areas of the province. As the security situation deteriorated, MAJ Barker worked to ensure his patrol had the necessary force protection measures available. Notwithstanding the security situation, he implemented a robust programme with the local people and ensured development projects remained unaffected by insurgent activity in his area of operations. While on patrol, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. All crew members from the vehicle were safely extracted, and his strong leadership and professionalism were integral to ensuring that all members of his patrol returned safely to their base.
Major Bryce Cameron Gurney, Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers
MAJ Gurney also deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 with the NZPRT. He served as head of the Development Group, responsible for the development programme, including managing funding provided by NZAID and the US Commanders Emergency Response Programme. He undertook a complete review of the funding and delivery cycle of the NZAID programmes. His recommendations were adopted by NZAID, and funding from the United States Commanders Emergency Response Programme received a significant boost — from two million US dollars to in excess of twenty million. He provided day-to-day management of over one hundred projects, while also mentoring many less experienced junior officers attached to the Development Group. MAJ Gurney also took it upon himself to supervise and mentor Afghan contractors, who had little or no experience of tendering and contract management.
Major Peter Warren Jacobs, Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps
In 1987, Major Jacobs transferred from the Territorial Force to the Regular Force. A distinctive trait of his service has been his passion to guarantee that the Medical Corps meets its mission and goals. Enthusiasm has been the hallmark of his approach, particularly around policy relating to the recruiting and retaining doctors and specialists. Many initiatives for which he was responsible have bolstered Defence Force capabilities, in terms of the development of a medical specialist base with a focus on sustainable operational outputs. His commitment to health care meant that he has been a key member of planning staffs for overseas deployments. Of note was his contribution to health planning in Timor-Leste, making sure there was a continued supply of health specialist personnel in the remote Suai region.
Wing Commander Mark Brunton
WGCDR Brunton joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1976, and has held numerous engineering and command positions. Of particular note was his work in 2001 when he was responsible for resettling RNZAF personnel made redundant following the disbandment of the Air Combat Force. WGCDR Brunton handled a sensitive and unenviable task with skill and compassion. In 2005 he was seconded to the Boeing B757 Upgrade Project as a Ministry of Defence Project Manager. At this time the project required additional work under intense time constraints and budget pressures. Throughout the process, WGCDR Brunton exercised an extraordinary combination of technical skill, project management, and leadership. He epitomises the Defence Force values but also the ‘kiwi’ values of flexibility, innovation, and initiative. In 2006 he moved to the contractor’s facilities in Mobile, Alabama where he used his negotiating skills to bring the project to a successful conclusion with the delivery of the upgraded aircraft to the Air Force. WGCDR Brunton’s excellent judgement and leadership ability in a wide range of situations has been a hallmark of his 32 years service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.