Antarctic medal honour for Nelson ice pilot Leachman
A Nelson ice pilot whose Southern Ocean legacy helped New Zealand’s maritime patrols keep cool in the iciest conditions has been acknowledged, one year after his death.
For services to New Zealand’s Antarctic maritime capabilities and scientific research, master mariner Andrew Leachman was posthumously awarded The New Zealand Antarctic Medal in the New Year’s honours list.
Regarded as one of New Zealand’s most experienced and respected Antarctic navigators, the father of three and ‘‘Grandrew’’ to four died on September 16, 2017 aged 72.
In a maritime career spanning 55 years, Leachman went from shovelling cod livers in his hometown of Grimsby, England to becoming master on the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries vessel James Cook and the Niwa research vessel Tangaroa through the often unforgiving icy conditions of the Southern Ocean.
His time in command of those vessels saw him operate extensively around New Zealand and in the Southern Ocean in support of significant national and international marine research programmes.
Developing an in-depth knowledge of operating an icestrengthened vessel, he was then able to pass that expertise onto subsequent Niwa crews for future operations.
Shunning retirement in 2011, Leachman joined the Royal New Zealand Navy as an ice navigation consultant.
During this period, Leachman coached and mentored Offshore Patrol Vessel command teams through seven successive Southern Ocean patrols. His contribution helped establish and sustain its new Antarctic maritime patrol and response capability.
As ill-health began to take its toll in June 2017, he was given the honour of honorary captain by the RNZN at a ceremony in Nelson.
In his citation address, then-Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John Martin said Leachman’s expertise had meant the navy could now monitor the region more effectively.
‘‘We’re sending people down to the roughest, most dangerous part of the planet.
‘‘They’re your nieces, nephews, grandsons or granddaughters and we couldn’t do it without the confidence and coaching that comes from our association with Andrew.’’
Speaking to Stuff in 2017, Leachman said despite a long association with the area, he still felt he had a contribution to make to the Antarctic sea operations.
‘‘It is a challenge, but it’s a privilege too to actually go down there and witness it – I mean I’ve seen all the wilds and I just love it – you get a real buzz.’’
The New Zealand Antarctic Medal was instituted as a New Zealand Royal Honour in 2006, replacing the British Polar Medal.
The medal may be awarded to persons who either individually or as members of a New Zealand programme in the Antarctic region have made an outstanding contribution to exploration, scientific research, conservation, environmental protection, or knowledge of the region.