Mr John Bezett, MNZM, of Dunedin, for services to sport and recreation
John Bezett was Chairman of the New Zealand Masters Games from 1993 to 2021.
The Games are New Zealand’s largest sporting event, involving approximately 5,000 competitors and contributing $3-5 million to the economy each year.
He was a member of the Dunedin City Council for 24 years and chaired the Council’s Economic Development Committee, involved in the upgrade of Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin Town Hall and Dunedin Centre.
He worked to modernise Otago City’s water and wastewater systems and in the build of Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Mr Bezett has advocated for the St Clair Sea Wall Construction and the return of the St Clair Hot Water Salt Pools.