This new award has been introduced this year by the New Zealand Philatelic federation to be presented to some of New Zealand's philatelists who deserve recognition over and beyond its Award of Honour. The new award is for outstanding service over a number of years, and the recipient must previously have received the Federation's Award of Honour. Although this is a Federation award, funding for these medals has been generously provided by Allan P. Berry, in the memory of his wife Elizabeth, known throughout the philatelic world as "Liz".

Awards of this medal were made at the APS Exhibition in early July. Jenny Banfield read the following citation to approximately 100 collectors present:

"Today this medal is being presented to someone who in a rather unassuming way has made a great contribution of New Zealand philately for well over 30 years. He played a major part in Zeapex 1980 - an international exhibition which the then Postmaster General described as "the most important event of its kind held in this country".

He has been involved with the Auckland Philatelic Society, is a long time active life member of the Postal History Society of New Zealand; is a Fellow of the R.P.S.N.Z.; played a major part in "New Zealand 1990"; is a trustee of the Zeapex Philatelic Trust and has made some very good investments for the benefit of philately over a long period. DICK ARMSTRONG, it is with great pleasure that I present you with the New Zealand Medal of Philatelic Excellence.

Jenny Banfield then announced that she had a second presentation to make.

"I have just said: a person who played a major part in Zeapex 1980; is a long time active member of the Postal History Society of New Zealand; is a Fellow of the R.P.S.N.Z.; played a major part in "New Zealand 1990"; was President of the New Zealand Philatelic Federation; and is a trustee of the Zeapex Philatelic Trust. However, here the story changes. He is an international judge; he has exhibited in the FIP Championship Class; he received the FIP Research Medal; and holds the top philatelic honour worldwide as an RDP - signatory of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists. GERALD J ELLOTT, I am pleased to present you with the New Zealand Medal of Philatelic Excellence.

Jenny then noted that a third award was to be presented. She said "I have referred to a person who played a major part in Zeapex 1980; is a long time active member of the Postal History Society of New Zealand; is a Fellow of the R.P.S.N.Z.; played a major part in "New Zealand 1990"; was President of the New Zealand Philatelic Federation; is a trustee of the Zeapex Philatelic Trust; and is an international exhibitor and judge. No, they are not triplets! In 2002, this person was elected to the Hall of Fame of the American Air Mail Society - the most prestigious award made to Aerophilatelists worldwide. He has also made a major contribution to New Zealand philately. KEITH A GRIFFITHS, I am pleased to present you with the New Zealand Medal of Excellence.

Keith Griffiths and Gerald Ellott were present to escort Dick Armstrong to the Exhibition. None of the three of them knew they were in for an award and for once Keith Griffiths was lost for words.