After a 23-year army career that has seen him serve in Egypt, East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq, Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Michie admits to feeling a bit embarrassed at receiving the Distinguished Service Decoration in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his work securing the disaster zone in central Christchurch caused by the 2011 earthquake.
In the days after the earthquake, Colonel Michie was handed responsibility for maintaining the security of the perimeter around the stricken city, and for shrinking it as quickly as possible so residents could reach their homes.
At its peak the cordon boasted 55 check points, maintained by 120 soldiers and police.
The soldiers of the 2/1st battalion - many of whom had headed straight into the city on their own accord immediately after the quake - worked 12-hour shifts on the cordon for several months.
"The guys performed admirably, showed real devotion to duty and professionalism, but at the same time a lot of compassion too," Colonel Michie said.
He said he felt "a little bit embarrassed" to be singled out for an award.
"It was a big team thing, it's not really one person's effort."
Colonel Michie was one of six Defence Force personnel to receive the Distinguished Service Decoration in the Queen's Birthday honours.
Warrant Officer combat systems specialist James Ernist's work introducing the REMUS 100 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) has been used as model by other militaries, including the United States Navy. WO Ernist led several operations where the AUV was deployed, including the searches for the sunken vessel Princess Ashika and the Easy Rider.
Lieutenant Colonel Robin Hoult developed a new army leadership framework; Major Brent Quin worked as an intelligence officer in Afghanistan; Petty Officer Diver Scott Treleaven led two dangerous body recovery efforts; and Sergeant Lindsay Norriss was recognised for his volunteer work with recruits and engagement with the community around the RNZAF Woodbourne base near Blenheim.
