Hill has been widely recognised as a driving force behind the Paralympic Movement to ensure that Para-sport is valued as an equal alongside able-bodied sport.

His involvement with the PNZ began in the mid-1970s and was inspired by his wife Trish Hill, who started her own long and accomplished career in Para-sport during the same period. 

As well as serving as a PNZ executive member, Hill also chaired the organisation's Sports Committee for a number of years.

Additionally, he was team assistant at the Arnhem 1980 Paralympic Games, assistant Chef de Mission at Seoul 1988 and Chef de Mission at Barcelona 1992.

From 1973 until this year, Hill was involved with ParaFed North Otago, one of the founding members of the PNZ.

Dave Hill has been widely recognised as a driving force behind the Paralympic Movement ©PNZ



"It is an honour to be recognised for all the hours and hours of work," said Hill, who received his PNZ Order of Merit in Oamaru.

"I got so much enjoyment from travelling to countries I may never have gone to.

"It was a privilege to be able to do it and work with some amazing people."

Clive Power, PNZ Board member and Order of Merit member, added: "Dave spent countless hours organising major fundraising events for Paralympic Sport in New Zealand whilst also personally supporting his wife Trish, a New Zealand Paralympian.

"He was Chef de Mission for the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games and attended many events as support to Paralympics New Zealand teams.

"He is an inspiration to us all."

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