DEFENCE
Minister of Defence Awards for Excellence: Reserves, Cadets and LSVs The Minister of Defence Awards for Excellence showcase the contribution made by employers and individuals to the NZDF Reserve Forces, Cadets, and Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) program. Among the speakers for the online event was the Minister of Defence who had filmed his opening address ahead of the 22 February Defence Employer Support Council (DESC) event. Via its Facebook account, DESC posted, “To all of our finalists and winners of the Minister of Defence Awards for Excellence – thank you! It was an honour to celebrate your commitment and your dedication yesterday afternoon.” “I was honoured to watch the online awards today,” wrote Debbie Howarth, NZDF Director of Industry & External Engagement, in a LinkedIn post. “Although the planned in person ceremony was not to be this was a great celebration of the commitment and mahi between Defence and the community.” “… there are great people working in, alongside and supporting NZDF in New Zealand. These organisations employee graduates of LSV, Cadet Force Officers or Reserves adding to the diversity and skill sets of their own teams,” she added. The Winners of the 2021 Minister of Defence Awards for Excellence are: • Individual Contribution to the LSV Programme: Les Morgan, Chief Operating Officer, Hind Management 34
• Employer Contribution to the LSV Programme: Westport Deep Sea Fishing School • Cadet Force Officer Employer of the Year: McKenna King Ltd • Reserve Employer of the Year: KPMG New Zealand • Reservist of the Year: CAPT Blair Siegel Cadet Force Officer Employer of the Year McKenna King Ltd was awarded the NZ Cadet Force Officer Employer of the Year. According to DESC, New Zealand Cadet Force Officers (CFOs) are adult volunteers who facilitate Cadet Force training for New Zealand’s youth. CFOs balance their civilian employment with this voluntary community based role. McKenna King Ltd was recognised for consistently supporting its employee solicitor Alex Greaves to balance his commitments as Tāmaki Cadet Unit Commander. As an employer, McKenna King has flexible leave arrangements in place that allow LT Greaves to travel from Hamilton to Auckland weekly to run Unit trainings. The firm demonstrates consistent support to the NZDF and the New Zealand Cadet Forces, with one of their directors also serving as a Reservist.
Outstanding Contribution to the LSV Programme Les Morgan was awarded 2021 Outstanding Contribution to the LSV Programme. The LSV programme is a six-week training course for youth aged 18-24. It is run by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and the NZDF with the objective of getting New Zealand’s young people into work. The Award recognises outstanding contribution to and promotion of the LSV programme by an individual or group who has demonstrated significant support through their time, actions and dedication. Line of Defence
