Long-time Ōmarama Search and Rescue member and fire fighter Maurice Cowie received his Queen’s Service Medal from Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro at Government House, Wellington yesterday (May 30).

Maurice was one of six Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) volunteers and staff from across the country, named in the New Year's Honours list, to receive their awards yesterday.

Fenz board chair Rebecca Keoghan said it was “a pleasure to see their efforts recognised”.

"These six worthy recipients have dedicated years to helping their communities become stronger, safer, and more resilient both through their roles as volunteer firefighters for Fire and Emergency, and through all their other community contributions.

“On behalf of Fire and Emergency and the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, thank you for your outstanding service - your communities are richer for your work."

Maurice has been a member of Ōmarama Search and Rescue since 1998 and played a key role in revitalising the organisation from a membership of two, by recruiting new members, organising sponsorship and contributing to regular trainings.

His roles in the organisation have included field member, team leader and incident management team leader. His wealth of experience makes Maurice the first point of contact for police in the event of a search and rescue operation in his area.

Maurice was part of the Ōmarama Search and Rescue group that received the LandSAR Supreme Award in 2012 for a significant operation that located a tramper who had been missing for 14 days. 

He has also volunteered to assist in searches across other regions, including Owaka, Lawrence and Dunedin.

Maurice donated his time and materials to help with the renovation of the Ōmarama Search and Rescue base. He also constructed a stretcher trailer that can be towed behind an ATV to aid with rescues made difficult by the lengthy Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Maurice is a member of the local work group that stands in for Civil Defence in Ōmarama in case of a natural disaster. 

Along with his many years with Ōmarama Search and Rescue, Maurice has also been involved with rural and urban fire brigades for more than 50 years.