Garth Cowley, of Auckland, QSM, for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Garth Cowley was employed with Fire and Emergency New Zealand from 1976 until his retirement in 2017. He carried out many voluntary tasks over and above his normal duties, including running the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Brigade Welfare Society. He is a trainer, guide and volunteer for Achilles New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind, helping athletes with disabilities to participate in running events. He also provides support with driving, garden maintenance and fundraising for the Blind Foundation. Mr Cowley organised, coached and refereed a rugby league team of inmates from Auckland’s Paremoremo Prison.