Tamatoa Joseph Short is the first local to hold that distinction, and the first Pacific Islander to return home to the regional programme having served with military overseas.
Short is happy to be home, he says, welcoming the opportunity to fulfil a long-held desire even while serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy.
He's topped 20 years in the RNZN and the Chief Petty Officer (Marine Technician Propulsion) is keenly into the early stages of a two-year stint as a Maritime TA to Te Kukupa.
- Release
