Robert Neale, Palmerston North, MNZM
For services to education and the community. Mr Neale was an English lecturer at Massey University for 30 years until his retirement in 1999 and continues to be involved in the Palmerston North community. He served as the University's Public Orator for 20 years. As a lecturer he made poetry accessible, and was a regular guest on Radio New Zealand National's Saturday morning programme. In 1986, he founded the ‘Teaching Writing in New Zealand’ programme for secondary schools, which continues to be used. Mr Neale has also made a significant voluntary contribution to the Presbyterian Church and the Manawatu Save the Chldren.