We are incredibly proud of our co-founder, David Irving on his honorary award, of Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit from the Governor General.
Here are some words from David:
"I recently learnt of your support for my receiving an honorary award from the Governor General. I am truly appreciative and really quite overwhelmed by both yours and others belief in my being awarded an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Earlier this week Jude and I, with our twin daughters and their husbands, went to Government House in Wellington to receive my award. I had been warned by previous award winners that the day could be quite a moving one. Well it truly lived up to that expectation. While it is properly formal, it is also very respectful, humbling and intimate. I say intimate because when being awarded your honour the Governor General speaks to you at very close quarters and is warm in his personal comments, almost whispered. Humbling because when you hear each citation read out you cannot help being overawed by the contribution of each and every person whether a knight or an ordinary fellow.
I have earlier communicated to the many people who congratulated me that it is never one person who achieves. I stand by that observation. But you chose to support my name going forward and for that I thank you and say that for me this recent period of contribution to New Zealand owner managers has been quite fulfilling in itself. I cannot distinguish between work and play. Indeed I am very fortunate.
Thank you for all you have done with me over the years, whether recent or past."
See a short clip of the service: