Mr Noel Harris, of Mount Maunganui, MNZM for services to the thoroughbred racing industry
Noel Harris (Te Ātiawa) competed as a jockey for many years, winning most major races in New Zealand, in addition to winning Group races in Australia and Singapore-Malaysia. He has won Derbies, Oaks, Cups and Group Stakes races nationally and internationally. He won the Taranaki Cup eight times. He shares the record for the most wins at 3,200m in New Zealand. At 55, he was the oldest jockey to ride in the Melbourne Cup. Mr Harris initiated the role of the Apprentice Mentor with the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Board, establishing himself to work alongside New Zealand apprentices to improve their riding skills and personal life skills.