Military service recognised
Three current or former members of the New Zealand military received the Insignia of a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the New Zealand Defence Force. Pictured with the Chief of Defence Force, Lt General Jerry Mateparae, were (from left): Colonel (Rtd) Richard Hall, of Kohimarama; Commander Blair Gerritsen, of Devonport; and Warrant Officer Class One John Barclay, of Lower Hutt. Colonel Hall was recognised for his service in Afghanistan from October 2008 to May 2009. He was initially appointed as Commander of the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyian province before being promoted as Commander Task Group Ariki, in command of most of the New Zealand forces in the Middle Eastern nation. Commander Gerritsen was recognised for his service as commander of HMNZS Te Mana and particularly its service in the Arabian Gulf as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Warrant Officer Barclay was recognised for his service as Warrant Officer of the NZDF and previously as Sergeant Major of the Army.