Arthur Leslie Lydiard was a New Zealand runner and athletics coach. He has been lauded as one of the outstanding athletics coaches of all time and is credited with popularising the sport of running and making it commonplace across the sporting world. His training methods are based on a strong endurance base and periodisation.
Lydiard (left) at the 1949 national marathon championships
The Order of New Zealand is the highest honour in the New Zealand royal honours system, created "to recognise outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity". It was instituted by royal warrant on 6 February 1987. The order is modelled on the British Order of Merit and the Order of the Companions of Honour.
Badge of a Member of the Order of New Zealand (neck ribbon and bow)
Elizabeth II wearing the insignia of the Sovereign of the Order of New Zealand (the bow on her shoulder)