Mr Stuart Thorne, QSM, for services to conservation and search and rescue
Stuart Thorne worked with the Lands and Survey Department and the Department of Conservation for 40 years. He eradicated lagarosiphon major from Lake Wanaka and helped reintroduce Buff Weka to the islands of Lake Wanaka and the South Island Robin to the West Matukituki Valley. He volunteers for the Matukituki Charitable Trust and DOC. He was a Search and Rescue Police Advisor and helped establish the Upper Clutha Tramping Club. Mr Thorne has been Chairperson of the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, President of Wanaka Jaycees, Secretary of the Wanaka Lions Club, and Group Leader for Wanaka Venturer Scouts.