Dr Arie Geursen, ONZM, Auckland.
For services to science. Dr Arie Geursen has had a career as a scientist, undertaking decades of research into drug development. He has also been involved in numerous criminal cases as a forensic scientist. He is currently a member of the Fonterra Technology Lead Team, having held the position of General Manager of Lactopharma Limited. He is Vice President of the International Forensic Practitioners Institute, a voluntary position. He has been a guest lecturer for the University of Otago Faculty of Law on the challenges presented by complex scientific evidence in criminal cases. He is a frequent presenter at scientific conferences. Dr Geursen's forensic expertise was highly regarded when he pointed out the defects in the prosecution's forensic evidence in the case of David Dougherty, who was wrongly convicted of rape in 1993. Much of the work Dr Geursen did on this case was voluntary. He is highly regarded as a talented and committed scientist and as a staunch defender of the highest scientific principles. Dr Geursen also volunteers as Chief Director of New Zealand Bridge, and is President of the Franklin Bridge Club.