Message from our Chair: Congratulations to those presented with their New Year Honours

By Paul Swain, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair | Published: 23/07/2020 | Honours & Awards | National

Please join me in congratulating Paul McGill who was formally recognised today as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand. The honour was presented by the Governor General at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House Auckland.

This prestigious honour recognises the contribution Paul McGill made throughout his 39 years with Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the former New Zealand Fire Service.

Throughout his career Paul’s leadership made a significant impact to both Fire and Emergency and the former New Zealand Fire Service - particularly during his time as Chief Executive and National Commander Urban.

Paul had a key role in the responses to the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes, including work to replace fire stations after the earthquakes. Paul was the driving force behind the establishment of the Urban Search and Rescue and worked with St John on the introduction of medical first responder and co-responder schemes across New Zealand.

Paul was one of six people this year who were recognised for their services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and/or their community in the 2020 New Year Honours list.

I’d also like to congratulate Paul Wright and Anne Flutey who have recently been presented with their honours, and John Taylor who will be presented with his honour next week.

Stuart Jones and Joe Hedley, who were also recognised in the 2020 New Year Honours list, will be presented their honours at a later date.

On behalf of Fire and Emergency and the wider New Zealand community, I would like to give my congratulations and thanks to each of the award recipients and those who have supported them: their families, friends and in the case of volunteers - their employers. Each of them has made a huge difference to both Fire and Emergency New Zealand and their communities.

The recognition of their hard work, dedication and achievements at this highest level makes us immensely proud.