Aviation entrepreneur Sir Tim Wallis has been presented with a military medal in a surprise ceremony, in recognition of his army service more than half an century ago.
Sir Tim, 72, who pioneered live deer capture from helicopters which led to a multi-million dollar industry, received the New Zealand Defence Service medal from his old army instructor in the late 1950s, ex-All Black Tiny White, at Burnham Military Camp, south of Christchurch, last month.
Sir Tim completed his compulsory training in 1957.
He had no idea he was about to be presented with his medal when he visited Burnham, said the army magazine, Army News.
He is now patron of the Wallis class for limited service volunteers, a six-week course run by the army for young people on a Work and Income benefit.
