Mechanic wins royal recognition

A Kaikoura mechanic says he is “rapt” to have been awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for his services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Ian Walker features in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his decades of work with the Kaikoura Volunteer Fire Brigade, which he joined in 1979.

The 74-year-old, pictured, has been chief fire officer since 1985 and also runs Ian Walker Mechanical Repairs in the coastal town.

Walker told Stuff receiving the QSM was his “proudest moment” and despite already clocking 41 years with the volunteer brigade he had not thought about retirement.

His citation for the honour says he played a key role in responding to the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. 

“Despite his own home and business being severely damaged, he took a lead role in the response until more assistance arrived,” it explains. 

“With no phone network, the brigade worked four-hour shifts manning the 111 number near the council. 

“Over the ensuing days he played a major role in communicating with the community and liaising with Urban Search and Rescue, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the New Zealand Defence Force and other stakeholders. 

“During that time Walker also provided vehicles from his own business to assist with the earthquake response.” 

Walker was also on the Kaikoura District Council from 1986 to 1992, has been a trustee member of the Community Vehicle Trust Board since 2011, and was made a life member of Kaikoura Fire Brigade in 2002.