Russ Hoggard, of Auckland, QSM, for services to athletics
Russ Hoggard began to coach athletics in 1958 and carried out the majority of his work on a voluntary basis. He has coached thousands of athletes from community and club level, to secondary school national competitions, and to national and international success. He runs a specialised development programme to ensure that athletes maintain and build upon their fitness throughout the year. He regularly adapts training sessions to include athletes from sports such as cricket, rugby, and hockey. At 89 years old, Mr Hoggard continues to coach a large squad of development teenagers and works regularly at the Millennium Centre.