Shaun Quincey, Auckland, MNZM
For services to solo long-distance rowing. Mr Quincey was the first person to row across the Tasman Sea, solo, from Australia to New Zealand. He rowed between January and March 2010, a direct distance of 2,000km. Mr Quincey experienced gale force winds, a capsize, lack of fresh water, and the loss of two oars. He narrowly avoided being swept past North Cape when he was attempting to land in New Zealand. He has been a volunteer surf life saver and used his rowing feat to promote Surf Life Saving New Zealand. Mr Quincey’s expedition mirrored that of his father, Colin Quincey MBE, who was the first person to row solo across the Tasman from New Zealand to Australia in 1977.