Richard Hawke, Christchurch, MNZM
For services to pipe bands. Mr Hawke is considered to be one of New Zealand's best solo pipers, and has made a well-recognised contribution to pipe bands and the young piping community in Canterbury. He is one of the leading piping tutors in Australasia and has tutored for the past 30 years, working in both paid and unpaid capacities, and developing a reputation for being able to recognise and nurture young talent. He has held a number of positions since 1979 including as Principal at the New Zealand College of Piping from 1994-2002. He is a founding tutor of the National Summer Schools. Mr Hawke is the Pipe Band Director at St Andrew's College and Pipe Major of the Canterbury Caledonian Society's Pipe Band. He has competed in seven Pipe Band World Championships, has won several international solo competitions, including the Piping Society of London's Gold Medal (Oban) and the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering Gold Medal, and has 20 New Zealand Championship Open titles.