6 June 2013
Sergeant Lindsay Norriss was one of six Defence personnel named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List to receive a Distinguished Service Decoration.
Sergeant Norriss has managed, on a voluntary basis and in his own time, the ‘In Loco Parentis’ (ILP) scheme at RNZAF Woodbourne since its inception in 1996. As Woodbourne is home for Air Force recruit and ground training, there are significant numbers of trainees posted in over any given period.
The aim of the ILP scheme is to provide young trainees with multiple experiences to explore their abilities learn about teamwork in a variety of environments and sow the seeds of an active lifestyle. Activities over the years have included horse trekking, hunting, rock climbing, skiing, river rafting and sea kayaking.
As well as planning and coordinating the overall programme, he has utilised his expertise in the fields of sea kayaking, white-water rafting and river rafting to personally conduct and lead these activities.
Over the past twenty years, SGT Norriss has dedicated a great deal of time and effort to supporting and providing assistance to a number of civilian organisations. He has been a pivotal link between RNZAF Woodbourne and the local community and has been responsible for organising water based activity training for local schools, youth groups and cadet force units.
His interests also include softball and he held the role of administrator for Marlborough Softball for eighteen years until his retirement in 2008. He plays a significant role in the Woodbourne Search and Rescue team, not only by having taken part on numerous short notice rescue missions, but also by taking a lead in training team members and co-ordinating the acquisition of equipment.
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The five other NZDF recipients of the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration are:
LTCOL Robin Michael Hoult, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
LTCOL Stefan John Michie, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
MAJ Brent John Quin, Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps
WOCSS James Ernist Harper, Royal New Zealand Navy
PODR Scott Matthew Treleaven, Royal New Zealand Navy
Other recipients of note to the RNZAF:
To be a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order:
Mr John Walter McKinnon, of Wellington; former Secretary of Defence.
Queen’s Service Medal:
Mr Charles Cooke, JP, of Mangawhai. For services to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association. He is also one of our Honorary Air Liaison Officers
Mr Peter John Wheeler, of Auckland. For services to Air Force veterans. Peter is President of the Bomber Command Association.