Four New Zealand fire personnel recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
Iain Hoey
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Recognition for services to fire and rescue across New Zealand
Four long-serving fire and rescue volunteers from New Zealand have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
The awards include a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and three King’s Service Medals for contributions to search and rescue and community safety in Oxford, Fox Glacier, Matatā and Taihape.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan said: “These awards recognise the outstanding contributions that our people have made to Fire and Emergency, Search and Rescue and their local communities over many years.”
Honours awarded for decades of volunteer rescue service
The highest award was presented to Ronald (Ron) Ealam of Oxford, who was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported that Mr Ealam has volunteered in land search and rescue for over 50 years, contributing 25 years to training dogs through New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Dogs.
He has been a qualified national trainer and assessor for more than ten years, specialising in training border collies.
Mr Ealam was involved in the 2011 Canterbury earthquake response and has chaired the Oxford Land Search and Rescue Group for over a decade.
The organisation noted that he received the New Zealand Search and Rescue Excellence Award in 2023 for his service.
Fox Glacier volunteer recognised for leadership and emergency response
Marius Bron, based in Fox Glacier, received the King’s Service Medal for his role in local emergency coordination and volunteer leadership.
According to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Mr Bron has been involved in various voluntary roles since 1999, including firefighting, civil defence, and first response.
He leads the South Westland Land Search and Rescue Group and supports the Department of Conservation by maintaining alpine huts.
Mr Bron was commended for helping rescue injured climbers on Mt Rolleston and facilitating community infrastructure such as the Emergency Services Centre.
He is also Operations Manager at Fox Glacier Guiding, a business supporting tourism in the area.
Community leadership in Matatā and Taihape acknowledged
Fire and Emergency New Zealand also reported that Gavin Dennis of Matatā was awarded the King’s Service Medal for four decades of service to the fire brigade and local governance.
Mr Dennis is Chief Fire Officer of the Matatā Volunteer Fire Brigade and played a central role in flood responses in 2005 and 2017.
He launched a cadet programme in 2014 to recruit young firefighters and served on school boards and community groups from 1993 to 2019.
Alan (Curly) Troon of Taihape received the King’s Service Medal for service to Fire and Emergency and local activities.
Mr Troon has served in the Taihape Volunteer Fire Brigade since 1991 and led the rebuild of the town’s fire station.
He is active in promoting Taihape’s gumboot throwing events through the New Zealand Boot Throwing Association and has participated in international competitions.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand stated that Mr Troon has supported local sports and ambulance services and continues to mentor young people.
Four fire and rescue volunteers honoured in 2025 King’s Birthday list: Summary
Four New Zealand fire and rescue personnel have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.
The information was reported by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Ronald Ealam of Oxford received the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Marius Bron of Fox Glacier, Gavin Dennis of Matatā, and Alan Troon of Taihape each received the King’s Service Medal.
Mr Ealam has contributed more than 50 years to land search and rescue.
Mr Bron volunteers in multiple emergency response roles and leads local initiatives.
Mr Dennis has served as a firefighter and community board member for over 30 years.
Mr Troon is a life member of the Taihape Fire Brigade and community organiser.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand acknowledged all recipients for their community dedication.