Richard Scelly, of Whangamata
Richard Scelly received the Queen's Service Medal for services to surf life saving. Mr Scelly has been the Patron of the Whangamata Surf Club since 1986, and was made a life membership in 1991. Twenty-five years ago he established 'Whanga Week', an annual series of seven events held over a week that has raised more than $250,000 since its inception, with the money being used to maintain facilities and equipment and to train lifeguards. While no longer an active lifeguard, Mr Scelly is a qualified first aider and radio operator. As team manager of Whangamata’s surf boat crew in the early 1990s, Mr Scully led it to New Zealand and world titles.