Honours invested at Government House

Former pilot Denis Hartley is pictured at Government House this week receiving his award from New Zealand Governor General Patsy Reddy. Pictures by John Mathews

Two people with strong links to the Gisborne East Coast district have had their achievements celebrated at investiture ceremonies at Government House in Wellington this week.

Former Ruatoria pilot Denis Hartley, whose bravery has saved many lives in this district, was “humbled” to be on the 2018 New Year honours list.

This week he received his New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), recognising his services to aviation and rescue services.

Now 76, he has 60 years of flying in the aviation industry under his belt. He no longer flies but is still instructing and examining pilots overseas.

He started working on the East Coast in 1975 and moved to live in Ruatoria in 1980. He stayed there for 25 years and, in 1988, was a key figure in many aerial rescues during Cyclone Bola.

He founded the district’s rescue helicopter service, pioneering in New Zealand the concept of a community-owned rescue helicopter supported by commercial work.

Nuhaka School principal Nicholas Chapman put his New Year honour down to community collaboration and team-work.

Mr Chapman, Nuhaka’s principal since 1995, was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and conservation.

The official citation praised his part in supporting teachers to expand their roles and responsibilities, particularly in Maori medium settings. He has also driven a series of programmes outside of education.

The honour was the result of the effort and collaboration that went into planning and working with boards of trustees, staff, teachers and communities, he said.

Mr Chapman is chairman of the Eastern Zone schools sports organisation committee and chairman of the Wairoa Ross Shield rugby tournament organising committee.

He has also supported ecological education and conservation initiatives, including the planting of a native garden on land next to Nuhaka School, the establishment and planting of Mokotahi Reserve at Mahia Beach and community clean-ups of Mahia Peninsula.