Two Queenstowners officially have four new letters to add to their names.
RealNZ chief executive Dave Beeche and triathlete Aaron Fleming flew to Wellington last week for their investiture ceremonies at Government House, led by Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann, having been recognised in last year’s New Year’s Honours list.
Beeche (above) was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, or CNZM, for services to sports administration.
Previously based in Auckland, he was the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 CEO, the Fifa Under-20 World Cup CEO, Triathlon NZ CEO and founded the Queenstown Marathon.
Part of the club: Queenstowner Aaron Fleming MNZM pictured with Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann after his investiture ceremony last week
Fleming, who’s competed in 16 Ironmans, raising $40,000 for charity, primarily the Cystic Fibrosis Association of New Zealand, was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community and sport.
He’s also been involved in youth initiatives, including the Lowdown Project, which focuses on suicide prevention in rangatahi, is a motivational speaker, an ambassador for Proud to Play, which promotes inclusivity and diversity in sport, and is an environmental and sustainability advocate.
