New Zealand Order of Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) recognises outstanding service and was awarded to Paul Wright for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the forestry industry.
Paul started working in forestry in 1966 and in the last 11 years of his career moved to the fire risk management world.
He was the principal rural fire officer of Pumicelands from 2007 to 2017 and chief executive from 2015 to 2017, leading the amalgamation of the Central North Island rural fire districts under the new agency, Fire and Emergency N.Z.
Paul first joined Rotary in Invercargill in 1985 and again in 1991 when he moved to Rotorua with his family. Paul briefly held the position of Club President in 2005-06 until his work took him to Australia and was again nominated and served as Club President in 2012-13. During his year as President Paul introduced a Club Leadership Plan, designed to increase focus on membership and public relations. Whilst this concept was initially met with a degree of skepticism Paul took the time to meet with everyone on an individual basis to ensure all members were on board with the proposed changes the plan was formally adopted in January 2012.
Paul was nominated by his peers for the role of District Governor (DG), District 9930 for 2014-15. This is a demanding role and requires the person to have a sound knowledge of Rotary International and their district. Paul provided leadership, motivation, and guidance to the 55 clubs in this District, visiting them all during his term as District Governor. He was the spokesperson for the District and the link to Rotary International. This was done whilst holding down a full-time job and still having time to be actively involved with his own Rotary Club.
Paul is highly regarded by his Rotary peers and is the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow and Sapphire Pin +2.
Rotarian Paul is well known around district 9930 for wearing fancy shoes and brightly coloured shirts.