Mr Alan Hitchens, of Tauranga, MNZM for services to journalism and the community
Alan Hitchens has had a long career in the newspaper industry, including as Chief Reporter and then News Editor of The Dominion, Editor of the Sunday News, General Manager of News Media Auckland, and Chief Executive of Independent News Corporation. Within his local community, he has been a member of the management board of the Pauanui Sports and Recreation Club. As a member of the Hikuai District Trust, he was responsible for promoting outdoor concerts that raised $150,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Mr Hitchens provided guidance for the Trust’s project to build a community cycleway from Pauanui to Tairua.