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Taihape's Les Clarke awarded King's Service Medal

Taihape Police Sergeant Leslie Clarke has been awarded the King’s Service Medal in the 2025 New Year Honours.

January 10, 2025

Les Clarke

Rangitīkei District Council would like to extend its congratulations and gratitude to Les Clarke for his ongoing service to local democracy and the Rangitīkei community.

As part of the 2025 New Years Honours, Les Clarke has been recognised with the King's Service Medal for his service to the New Zealand Police, local democracy and youth support.

Since 1972 Les has served in a number of frontline roles with the New Zealand Police in Auckland. He moved to Taihape to do two years of country police service - but never left.

When Clarke moved to Taihape, he began coaching youth sports teams, including netball, rugby and softball.

Clarke later became involved with local politics as a three-term member of the Taihape Community Board, including a term as chairman, and a term at Rangitīkei District Council.

He established the Taihape Community Development Trust 20 years ago.

Les Clarke remains a sergeant with the Taihape Police and is still a member of the Taihape Community Development Trust.

**An extended version of this story was originally published by the Whanganui Chronical**