Kiwis honoured for Afghanistan service

[Dave Homewood]

Kiwis honoured for Afghanistan servicePublished: 6:27PM Wednesday September 05, 2012 Source: ONE News

Three New Zealanders who have experienced life in the firing line were honoured at a service in Wellington today.

Two soldiers, recognised for their service in Afghanistan, were joined by the first western journalist to interview Osama Bin Laden, Peter Arnett.

Warrant Officer Denis Wanihi served alongside American soldiers in Afghanistan, searching for bombs and clues about who made them.

Today he was honoured at Government House, receiving the New Zealand Gallantry Medal from Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

"It was an eye opener compared to New Zealand and the low activity we have here...but I just trusted myself to do the job," he said of his role in the war zone.

Warrant Officer Chris Wilson received the Distinguished Service Decoration for his role in the firefight that followed the explosion which killed lieutenant Tim O'Donnell.

O'Donnell, 28, was killed when his three-vehicle patrol was attacked with explosives, rocket propelled grenades and gunfire in north-east Bamiyan Province in 2010

Arnett was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to journalism in the Queen's Birthday Honours.


tvnz.co.nz/national-news/kiwis-honoured-afghanistan-service-5065113

[Dave Homewood]

Dad-of-three honoured for bomb work
MATT STEWART

Last updated 05:00 06/09/2012

His job seems as if it's straight out of the movie The Hurt Locker, but bomb disposal is real life for one decorated Kiwi soldier.

Warrant Officer Class Two Denis Wanihi received the New Zealand Gallantry Medal yesterday at an investiture ceremony at Government House for his work disarming roadside bombs and suicide vests in Afghanistan.

On August, 28, 2010, he was part of a team who neutralised a car bomb and, later the same day, helped to break down 12 suicide vests worn by insurgents who were killed before they could detonate them.

His medal was for his role in supervising an international team in 2010 collecting intelligence on improvised explosive devices (IED) and standard bombs in Khowst and Patika provinces.

Warrant Officer Wanihi, 43, a father of three, said he and his wife and children were nervous every time he went to Afghanistan but his family gave him their full support.

"They're aware that at any time I could be one of those people who don't make it home."

Also at yesterday's investiture was Pulitzer-Prize-winning war correspondent Peter Arnett, who was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to journalism.

Wellingtonians featured prominently at the ceremony, with Prime Minister John Key breaking protocol to stand and shake the hand of Sir Maarten Wevers, who was knighted by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae for services to the state.

Sir Maarten was chief executive of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet between 2004 and 2012, leading the department under two prime ministers and through the Canterbury earthquakes.

Former New Zealand international cricketer Martin Snedden was made an ONZM for services to sporting administration as chief executive of the Rugby World Cup organising team.

Celebrated Wellington art dealer Peter McLeavey was made an ONZM for services to the arts after nearly 50 years of influencing the New Zealand art scene and championing new artists.

His career began in the mid-1960s, selling works by painters Colin McCahon and Sir Toss Woollaston.

Greytown football coach Phil Keinzley was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to football.

He has been instrumental in the success of the Wairarapa United team since its foundation 16 years ago - dedication that paid off last year when the underdog club beat Napier City Rovers to win the Chatham Cup for the first time.

www.stuff.co.nz/national/7621288/Dad-of-three-honoured-for-bomb-work