Climbing Community Members Honoured
NZAC are thrilled to see that three members of the climbing community have been awarded in the King's Birthday Honours lists.
Graeme Kates received the King's Service Medal for services to conservation and the community. Graeme Kates has edited seven editions of the Arthur's Pass guidebook, including the latest NZAC edition. He famously knows every rock, peak and valley in the Arthur's Pass region, and has seen it in all seasons. Graeme worked for DOC at Arthur's Pass for many years and since retiring has set up the Arthurs Pass wiki. https://www.arthurspass.com/index.php
Mervyn English has been admitted as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to governance and the community. The name Merv English is well-known to New Zealand climbers through his many first ascents, especially prominent in the Darrans region in the '70s–'80s.
Dr Kenneth Woodford has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to agriculture and agribusiness. Known in climbing circles as Keith Woodford, or 'Woody', he was an active climber in the '70s and led the 1977 NZAC Everest trip.
Congratulations to all those awarded and thanks for your contributions to the community.