John Chibnall, of Haruru
John Chibnall received the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to recreational fishing and marine research. Mr Chibnall has been a member of the New Zealand Big Game Fishing Council for more than 40 years. He has held numerous offices including President, been a representative on the International Game Fishing Association, and was made a life member of the council in 1989. He was a member of the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council and was made a life member in 1996. He was instrumental in establishing the New Zealand Marine Research Foundation, which aims at ensuring continued access to recreational fishing, negotiated the New Zealand tag and release programmes, and was Chairperson of the foundation. Mr Chibnall is a life member of the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club.