Media Release

3 April 2014

Navy Medic Named NZ Defence Force Person of the Year

The courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity shown by Chief Petty Officer Medic (CPOMEDIC) Andrew Findlay-Clarke, of Whangarei, earned him the title of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Person of the Year 2013.

CPOMEDIC Findlay-Clarke (35) works in the Maritime Medical Development unit based at Devonport Naval Base.

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral (RADM) Jack Steer, presented the award today at the Navy Museum. RADM Steer acknowledged how CPOMEDIC Findlay-Clarke epitomized the behaviours of service-people throughout the country, demonstrating initiative and dedication in his role.

“CPOMEDIC Findlay-Clarke played a vital role implementing the Navy Health Directorate strategic vision to transform the way medical services are delivered to fleet units.”

During 2013, CPOMEDIC Findlay-Clarke was involved in the development and implementation of the RNZN Maritime Medical Sole Charge Taskbook, development of medical emergency treatment protocols onboard NZ Navy ships, and was the project manager for the RNZN Southern Ocean Medical Course to prevent and manage health risks in extreme cold climates.

“CPOMEDIC Findlay-Clarke also contributed to the wider NZ Defence Force with the development and introduction of the NZDF Medic Competence Assurance Programme and as the health planner and NZ medical liaison for RIMPAC 2012,” said RADM Steer. CPOMEDIC Findlay-Clarke is involved in a number of NZDF medical working groups, and in his spare time he is a New Zealand Resuscitation Council Instructor.

CPOMEDIC Findlay-Clarke received a trophy and special study prize, which can be used in an area of professional development of his choosing.

ENDS

ABOUT THE NZDF PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD

• The NZDF Person of the Year award was approved in 2009 by the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae. The award is given to the person who has best exemplified the Defence Force values of Courage, Commitment, Comradeship and Integrity over the previous 12 months.

• Nominees have to have demonstrated these values through their work in the Defence Force, or in some other aspect of their lives, for example, in civic or charity work, commitment to community or sporting groups - or some combination of all of these.

• All 14,000 members of the NZDF - Regular Force, Reserve and Civilian - are free to nominate their peers and to be nominated.

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