Mr Richard Kennett, of Glenorchy, MNZM for services to conservation and Search and Rescue
Mr Richard Kennett has held conservation roles since the 1970s, latterly as a Principal Ranger for Heritage and Visitor Assets with the Department of Conservation. He played a crucial role in preserving the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, Whakaari Scheelite mining assets, Kawarau Suspension Bridge, Macetown, Skippers, Bullendale and Kawarau Mining Centre. He has been instrumental in protecting and managing Te Koroka pounamu Special Area. He was a key driver of the management of the Routeburn Great Walk, Rees Dart and Greenstone Caples Tracks. He has a longstanding involvement in Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR), including as Whakatipu LandSAR Committee Chair. Mr Kennett has managed several Whakatipu walking track developments and initiatives.