Lance Strong, of Thames, MNZM, for services to karate and the community
Lance Strong has been involved with martial arts for 60 years and has a grandmasters title and a ninth degree black belt. He has been an instructor for 37 years. With his wife, Mrs Ava Strong, he established the Kiaido Ryu martial arts school in Thames. The couple have extended their teachings into 13 upper North Island schools. Mr Strong facilitates grading and instructors courses and developed the Warriors Wisdom course. He has worked with youth in the community and fronted a child sexual abuse prevention campaign. He is a foundation committee member of Totally Thames and was a driving force behind the Thames Corporate Battle of the Bands.