The late Desmond Templeton, Riverton, QSM (Janice Templeton pictured)
For services to flax milling heritage. Mr Templeton was an expert in flax milling and helped to reinvigorate one of New Zealand's oldest industries. He worked at Templeton Flax Mill from the time he left school in 1947 to the time the mill closed in 1972. In 2001 he formed a charitable trust to restore the mill, which was built in the 1800s and went on to establish the Templeton Flax Mill Heritage Museum on the site in 2004. The Museum is both a working flax mill and an educational facility. The dried fibre produced by the mill has come back into demand as a natural alternative to synthetics, and its commercial uses are being considered by scientists at Lincoln University and Scion. Mr Templeton was also a member of the Riverton Community Board for nine years, including three years as Chair.
Mr Templeton’s medal was received by his wife, Mrs Janice Templeton.