Graeme Kendall, MNZM, Auckland.
For services to sailing and philanthropy. In 2010 Mr Graeme Kendall completed a solo circumnavigation from Auckland to Auckland, via the Arctic Northwest Passage. The course covered 28,000 nautical miles and 32 oceans and seaways. He was the first person to sail the Northwest Passage solo non-stop. Known by sailors as 'the Everest of the sailing world', the Arctic NorthWest Passage is only open for a short time every year because of pack ice, and is known for its treacherous waters. Mr Kendall sailed through the Passage in just 12 days, one of the shortest sailing times for the Passage ever. His journey rates as one of New Zealand’s great expedition achievements. During his trip, he raised funds for New Zealand charities including Variety – The Children’s Charity, the Cholmondeley Home, Christchurch, and the Christchurch Bone Marrow Trust. Mr Kendall received the Yachting New Zealand Cruising Award from the New Zealand Royal Yacht Squadron in 2010 and the National Geographic award for being one of the top 10 global adventurers of 2010.