David Howden
David Howden, of Ashburton, received the Insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to outdoor recreation and the environment, on 5 September. A member of the Deerstalkers Association and a Mountain Safety instructor, he trains people in hunting, bush craft skills, firearm safety, local history, and geology in the outdoors and helped establish the Mt Somer Alpine Walkway, which is now a major tourist asset and one of New Zealand’s most popular walking tracks. He is a foundation member and past-chairman of the Ashburton District Branch of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, organises camps and trips in the outdoors, and supports the Minerals to Art Festival.