Mr Ian Watts, of Nelson, KSM for services to Land Search and Rescue
Mr Ian Watts joined the Nelson Tasman Land Search and Rescue as a volunteer in 1975, later serving as Chair. He was a founding member of the Nelson Tasman New Zealand Emergency Response Team. He led his team’s response to the Kaikōura earthquakes, the Pigeon Valley fire, Cyclones Fehi and Gita, and the COVID-19 lockdowns. He liaises with New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John personnel and local councils.
Mr Watts has led the Response Team in setting up a new base, overhauling its vehicle fleet, initiating a gear inventory system and achieving national accreditation.