Gordon Kirk
Dr Gordon Kirk, of Palmerston North, received the Insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to medicine. Dr Kirk was a chest physician at Palmerston North Hospital for more than 35 years. He established the first general intensive care unit in New Zealand in 1963 and was progressive in the treatment of asthma. He was the Medical Superintendent and Manager of Palmerston North Hospital for many years and was instrumental in its redevelopment and expansion. He served on the MidCentral District Health Board for 38 years. He was appointed to the Crown Health Enterprise Establishment Unit, where he advised on the Crown Health Enterprise configuration. Dr Kirk was an Honorary Surgeon to many community organisations and served as Director on the Auckland and Southland Area Health Boards for several years.