The New Zealand Distinguished Service Medal:
MUNDEN-HOOPER, Lieutenant Commander Louis James
For services to the New Zealand Defence Force
Lieutenant Commander Louis Munden-Hooper has been a key contributor in the development, delivery and integration of the new tanker, HMNZS AOTEAROA, for the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Lieutenant Commander Munden-Hooper joined the Maritime Sustainment Capability Integrated Project Team in August 2018 as the Integrated Logistics Manager within the Capability Integration Team. He posted as the commissioning Engineering Officer and represented the New Zealand Defence Force in the Republic of Korea throughout construction of HMNZS AOTEAROA. He displayed commitment in problem solving to ensure that the range of systems were built to specifications to endure the ship’s service-life. As the sole leader on board at the time, he was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic in managing the impacts on international travel and integration of the commissioning crew. His leadership across all facets was key in allowing HMNZS AOTEAROA to commence her sea service safely. Lieutenant Commander Munden-Hooper was instrumental to the successful first 18 months of sea service through two deployments in the Indo-Pacific region, including the humanitarian and disaster relief mission to Tonga in January 2022 following the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption and tsunami. During the United States-led RIMPAC 22 exercise, HMNZS AOTEAROA provided fuel for ships from eight different nations, furthering NZDF’s reputation as a reliable defence partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
The New Zealand Distinguished Service Medal:
TE KANI, Lieutenant Commander Makoare Kohupara (Mark), MNZM
For services to the New Zealand Defence Force
Lieutenant Commander Mark Te Kani (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Te Whakatōhea) was Maritime Surveillance Advisor in the Cook Islands from February 2020 to January 2023, leading the Cook Islands Police Service maritime security capability, contributing to maritime security of the neighbouring regions.
Lieutenant Commander Te Kani oversaw a programme to replacement aging patrol boats with more modern boats donated by the Australian Government, which are operated to provide maritime security to the 15 islands and ocean territory of the Cook Islands. He led the significant project to upgrade the Cook Islands Police Service Maritime Surveillance Centre to ensure there was a fit-for-purpose support facility. These multimillion-dollar projects are the largest ever completed in the Cook Islands under the Australian Defence Cooperation Programme with New Zealand support. He also provided support to the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions, and several Cook Islands Ministries and Agencies, acting as escort for high profile state visits and as Master of Ceremonies for New Zealand recognised public events. Within the wider Cook Islands community, he took on several voluntary tasks and functions. Lieutenant Commander Te Kani assisted the Cook Islands Airport Authority Emergency Exercise to revalidate their operating license, contributed to emergency management planning meetings, served on the committees of the Cook Islands Aotearoa Society and Cook Islands RSA, and coached local rugby.
HONOURS
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, New Year 1999