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 • 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.

“Les Morgan received this award because of his actions as Patron and his devotion of time and effort to support the trainees and staff in course activities and for his overt advocacy of the LSV programme amongst his various networks and communities,” DESC stated.

“Notably, Les provided the Top Trainee Award recipient a grant to help him get established within the workforce. He also offered a scholarship to university to a trainee and has employed another trainee that was interested in hospitality within the Sudima Hotel organisation.”

Reservist Employer of the Year KPMG New Zealand was awarded 2021 Reservist Employer of the Year.

KPMG has employed several Reserve Force members of the NZDF. “The company offers HR policies that supports Reservists to get to training , including a formalised Military Leave option,” stated DESC. “KPMG Managers also take an active interest in Reservists’ careers and encourage development within Reservist training programmes.” 2021 marks the second year in a row that Reservists at KPMG have nominated the company for their support.

Reservist of the Year Blair Siegel, an Auckland-based Reservist Army officer has been managing Managed Isolation and Quarantine Facilities (MIQFs) since June 2020, and his commitment and dedication has earned him New Zealand Defence Force Reservist of the Year Award.

CAPT Siegel has been a Reservist with 3rd/6th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) since 2006. He was working as a civilian medical equipment salesman when an opportunity arose to manage the Grand Mercure MIQF in Auckland.

He has also worked as a MIQF manager at the Stamford Plaza in Auckland, as well as Jet Park in Hamilton.

In addition to his role as MIQF Manager, CAPT Siegel has also taken on the role of personnel coordinator for 3/6 RNZIR, coordinating training and preparatory programmes to prepare his personnel for MIQF duties.

About DESC The Defence Employer Support Council (DESC) works to facilitate good working relationships between Reservists and their civilian employers. The Council supports Reservists in balancing their civilian and military commitments. The Council liaises with the Minister on matters related to Reserves and also NZDF youth programmes.

The Defence Employer Support Council (DESC) is well connected with civilian businesses, organisations and industry, maintaining quality relationships and facilitating strategic partnerships for NZDF personnel and for civilian employers.