2011 Finalists
Representatives of the 12 major Army, Navy and (for the first time in 2011) Air Force Reserve units who competed against each other in 2011 Reservist of the Year competition.
- WINNER: LCPL Peter Archer
- LSCS Thomas Katu
- CPL Daryll Savage
- CPL Peter Seddon
- CPL Mathew Griffin
- LCPL Thomas O'Connor
- LCPL Andrew Skipworth
- ADEF Peter Savage
- ABSEA Peter Greer
- ABSEA Matthew Rutherford
- SPR Kerry Check
- PTE Christopher Miller
After completing his Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Bachelor of Science (Zoology) at Otago University, LCPL Peter Archer is an Accountant at Ernst & Young. As a reservist Peter is posted to 7th Wellington (City of Wellington's Own) and Hawke's Bay Battalion Group as a member of the Royal New Zealand Infrantry Regiment. Peter has recieved the New Zealand Operational Service Medal, the New Zealand General Service Medal (Solomon Islands), the New Zealand General Service Medal (Timor-Leste) and the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal through his deployment to the Solomon Islands on Operation Rata and Timore-Leste on Operation Gyro.
LSCS Thomas Katu
LSCS Thomas Katu is an instructor at the Mana College Service Academy. The academies provide a structured academic program supplemented with physical activity for students who may otherwise have left school without qualifications. They are supported by NZDF's Youth Development Unit, through the Youth Life Skills programme. As a reservist, Thomas is a Seaman Combat Specialist with HMNZS Olphert in Wellington. He has recently returned from deployment to Antarctica in support of Antarctica New Zealand's work on the ice.
CPL Daryll Savage
CPL Daryll Savage is a Systems Engineer with DataCom Systems. A member of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, Daryll is posted to the 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland Battalion Group. Through Daryll's deployment to the Solomon Islands on Operation Rata he has revieved the New Zealand Operational Service Medal and the New Zealand General Service Medal (Solomon Islands).
CPL Peter Seddon
CPL Peter Seddon, member of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and posted to 2nd Caterbury, and Nelson-Marlborough and West Coast Battalion Group, is a History student at the University of Canterbury. Andrew has recieved the New Zealand Operational Service Medal, the East Timor Medal, the United Nations Medal, the New Zealand General Service Medal (Solomon Islands), the New Zealand General Service Medal (Afghanistan - Primary Operational Area), the NATO Medal for the Non-Article 5 ISAF Operations in Afghanistan New Zealand General Service Medal (Timor-Leste) through various deployments to the Timor-Leste, the Solomon Islands and Afghanistan.
CPL Mathew Griffin
CPL Mathew Griffin is an Ambulance Officer with St John and a Medic with Base Medical Flight, Operational Support Air Wing Auckland. Mathew has a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) from Auckland University, and a Bachelor or Health Science (Paramedic Studies) and Diploma in Military Medicine from Auckland University of Technology.
LCPL Thomas O'Connor
LCPL Thomas O'Connor is a Accounting student at Otago University, having already completed his Bachelor Biomedical Science (Pharmacology). Posted to the 4th Otago and Southland Battalion Group, Thomas is a member of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. Thomas has recieved the New Zealand Operational Service Medal, the New Zealand General Service Medal (Solomon Islands), the New Zealand General Service Medal (Timor-Leste) and the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal through his deployment to the Solomon Islands on Operation Rata and Timore-Leste on Operation Gyro.
LCPL Andrew Skipworth
After completing his Bachelor of Sport and Lesiure Studies and Graduate Diploma of Teaching - Secondary, LCPL Andrew Skipworth is a Physical Education Relief Teacher at Cambridge High School. As a reservist Andrew is posted to the 6th Hauraki Battalion Group as a member of the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps. Andrew has revieved the New Zealand Operational Service Medal and the New Zealand General Service Medal (Solomon Islands) through his deployment to the Solomon Islands on Operation Rata.
ADEF Peter Savage
ADEF Peter Savage is a Diesel Engine Fitter with the Royal New Zealand Volunteer Reserve, currently based with HMNZS Pegasus in Christchurch. As a civilian Peter works as a Automotive Engineer Field Services Technician. Peter has been deployed to assist in the NZDF's contribution to the Christchurch Earthquake relief.
ABSEA Peter Greer
A Launch Master with Real Journeys Queenstown, ABSEA Peter Greer is also a Seaman with HMNZS Toroa, the Royal New Zealand Navy's Volunteer Reserve unit in Dunedin. A highlight for Peter and the unit was his month aboard HMNZS Otago during her commissioning and homecoming voyage around New Zealand. The only Naval Reservist to do so.
ABSEA Matthew Rutherford
ABSEA Matthew Rutherford is a Firefighter with the New Zealand Fire Service. Matthew was posted aboard the HMNZS Monowai during the resuce mission of the 1984 Auckland-Suva yacht race.
SPR Kerry Check
SPR Kerry Check, from the Corps of Royal New Zeland Engineers, is a member of the Fifth Wellington, West Coast and Taranaki Battalion Group. As a civilian he works for Contact Energy as a Network Reconciliation Team Leader. Kerry has recently been deployed in support of the Christchurch Earthquake relief.
PTE Christopher Miller
A PHD student in Molecular Microbiology at Victoria University of Wellington, PTE Miller is also a medic with 2nd Health Support Battalion - a combined Regular and Reserve Force unit.