Paralympics New Zealand Order of Merit presented to Dave Hill

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) have presented Dave Hill in Oamaru a PNZ Order of Merit for his Services to New Zealand Paralympic Sport.

Clive Power (PNZ Board Member and PNZ Order of Merit Member) was thrilled to present Dave with his Order of Merit and said: “Dave spent countless hours organising major fundraising events for Paralympic Sport in New Zealand whilst also personally supporting his wife Trish a New Zealand Paralympian. He was Chef de Mission for the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games and attended many events as support to Paralympics New Zealand teams. He is an inspiration to us all.”

Dave Hill was delighted with the presentation and said: “It is an honour to be recognised for all the hours and hours of work. I got so much enjoyment from travelling to countries I may never have gone to. It was a privilege to be able to do it and work with some amazing people".

Dave began his involvement in the mid-seventies inspired by his wife Trish Hill as she started her own long and accomplished career in para-sport.

His amazing service and dedication to PNZ includes serving as an Executive Member from 1975 and for a number of years thereafter, Chair of the Sports Committee for many years, Team Assistant at the Arnhem 1980 Paralympic Games, Assistant Chef de Mission at Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games, Chef de Mission at Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games just to name a few of the many hats he has worn. Dave’s involvement with ParaFed North Otago from 1973 as a founding member until earlier this year is an incredible record of service.

He has been widely recognised as a driving force behind the Paralympic Movement to ensure that para-sport is valued as an equal alongside able bodied sport.

The Order of Merit was established in 2001 by Paralympics New Zealand to recognise individuals who have given outstanding service to the organisation and Paralympic Sport.

A full list of members can be found at the Paralympics New Zealand website.