14 August 2007

A warrant officer with 28 year’s service behind him and who has served in every camp in New Zealand is the Army’s latest recipient of the Meritorious Service Award.

Presenting WO 1 Tony Harding with the award, the Chief of Army, Major General Lou Gardiner said his career was epitomised by the commitment and loyalty to the soldiers and officers he has served with. “He has been tested both on operations and in peace, acquitting himself with merit, honour and distinction. He is the consummate professional who is motivated, effective and highly respected.”

Warrant Officer Class One Tony Harding says the Army has been “his life” since just before he turned 17, and he feels honoured to receive the award, which in the New Zealand Army is limited to 20 serving personnel.

He says the comradeship offered by the Army has been the most important personal aspect of his career so far, and professionally it has been serving under very good leaders, and being involved in the development of younger soldiers who will be future leaders.

After graduating as a Regular Force Cadet WO 1 Harding began an apprenticeship in Automotive Parts and Merchandising. He qualified in his trade in 1985 and served in a wide range of trade appointments in various workshop units within the Army.

While posted to 21 Field Supply Company he deployed with the first contingent to Somalia as part of UNOSOM. He was included in the 1994 New Years Honours, and was awarded the British Empire Medal. He went on to serve as the School Sergeant Major of the Trade Training School, and was awarded the title of Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Conductor, a senior soldier trade appointment.

In the early days of the Bougainville conflict WO 1 Harding deployed as part of the NZFORTMG, and was awarded the MNZM a year later for his performance while deployed on the operation.

In 2004, while posted as Regimental Sergeant Major, Trentham Camp, he was made responsible for the ceremonial aspects of the Return of the Unknown Warrior reception in New Zealand. With others he was responsible for coordinating the homecoming, and supervised a number of ceremonies associated with the Return of the Unknown Warrior’s remains. The ceremonies were televised nationally and internationally and were, according to the CDF of the time, Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson, “emotional and inspirational events befitting of the occasion.”

WO 1 Harding was subsequently posted to Waiouru as the Formation Sergeant Major of the Army Training Group in 2005. He went on to become Land Component Sergeant Major within Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand in May 2006.

He says when he joined the Army soldiers rarely asked questions or were even encouraged to do so.

“Now, our young soldiers are given the opportunity to contribute their ideas, and they ask a lot more questions. They are more technologically capable than I will ever be. Junior and senior leaders have to adapt to this, and become more aware that to continue to progress we may need to change as well. What was appropriate 25 years ago may not necessarily be the best way today.”

The Army, he says, continues to have and to produce great leaders at all levels. “Good leadership brings out the best in everyone.”

WO 1 Harding says he has had the “loyal support and perseverance” of his wife Julie-Anne and sons Benjamin and Daniel throughout his career.

“Without their commitment and understanding, my career would not have been as rewarding as it has.”

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