Living New Zealand dames and knights

List of living New Zealand holders of a title

The following is a list of living New Zealanders who have been appointed dames or knights.

## Inclusion criteria

[edit]

The list includes:

* Dames and knights of the New Zealand Order of Merit, including
* Dames or Knights Grand Companion (GNZM)
* Dames or Knights Companion (KNZM or DNZM)
* Dames and knights of an Order of Chivalry under the British Imperial Honours system, including
* Order of the British Empire
* Royal Victorian Order
* Order of St Michael and St George
* Order of the Bath
* Order of the Garter
* Knights Bachelor (no female counterpart)

### Principal and distinguished companions

[edit]

The list does not include principal companions (PCNZM) and distinguished companions (DCNZM). These non-titular honours were announced by the fifth Labour Government of New Zealand in April 2000. While the appointments were identical in rank to dames or knights grand companion (GNZM), and dames or knights companion (KNZM or DNZM), respectively, they did not provide the appellation of "sir" or "dame". The change was made via royal warrant and came into effect before the 2000 Birthday Honours were announced on 13 June.[1][2] With the change to the fifth National Government of New Zealand, John Key announced the reinstatement of the titles "sir" or "dame" in March 2009.[3] This further change was made via Royal Warrant and came into effect before the 2009 Birthday Honours were announced on 1 June.[4] There had been eighty-five appointees in the interim who were still alive (seventy eight DCNZM and seven PCNZM; four of the latter already enjoyed a title) and five who had died.[5][6]

Of the 85 who were eligible to take on a title, 72 chose to do so in 2009. Of the thirteen who elected to remain as principal and distinguished companions, two already held a title (Ivor Richardson and Silvia Cartwright).[7][8] The first person who had the title bestowed was Heather Begg, who received her damehood in April 2009 ahead of others because of failing health (she died a month later).[9] The remaining seventy-one received their titles through the 2009 Special Honours.[10][11] Vincent O'Sullivan accepted redesignation from Distinguished Companion to Knight Companion on 10 December 2021.[12] Sam Neill accepted the same redesignation on 9 June 2022.[13]

## List of living dames and knights

[edit]

By default, the table below is sorted in chronological order of appointment as a knight or dame.

Name | Portrait | Honour | Date of appointment | Citation | Present
age

|
|
|
|
|

Dame Naomi James
DBE |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 30 December 1978 | For services to sailing | 76
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
ONZ CH DBE AC |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 12 June 1982 | For services to opera | 81
Sir George Chapman |  | Knight Bachelor | 12 June 1982 | For political and public services | 98
Dame Joan Metge
DBE |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 13 June 1987 | For services to anthropology | 95
Dame Ann Hercus
DCMG |  | Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George | 31 December 1987 | For public services | 83
Sir Kenneth Keith
ONZ KBE KC PC |  | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 11 June 1988 | Professor of Law, Victoria University of Wellington | 87
Dame Silvia Cartwright
ONZ PCNZM DBE QSO DStJ |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 17 June 1989 | For services to women | 81
Sir Kerry Burke |  | Knight Bachelor | 30 December 1989 | Speaker of the House of Representatives | 83
Sir Brian Elwood
CBE JP |  | Knight Bachelor | 30 December 1989 | For services to local government | 92
Sir Paul Beresford |  | Knight Bachelor | 30 December 1989 | For political and public service | 79
Sir John Mace
KBE CB |  | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 16 June 1990 | Chief of Defence Staff, New Zealand Defence Force | 93
Sir Richard Hadlee
MBE |  | Knight Bachelor | 16 June 1990 | For services to cricket | 74
Sir Michael Fay |  | Knight Bachelor | 16 June 1990 | For services to merchant banking and yachting | 76
Sir Roger Douglas |  | Knight Bachelor | 31 December 1990 | For public services | 87
Sir Geoffrey Palmer
KCMG AC KC PC |  | Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George | 31 December 1990 | Prime Minister of New Zealand 1989–90 | 83
Dame Malvina Major
ONZ GNZM DBE |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 15 June 1991 | For services to opera and the community | 82
Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to opera
Sir Barry Curtis
JP |  | Knight Bachelor | 31 December 1991 | For services to local government and the community | 86
Sir Donald McIntyre
CBE |  | Knight Bachelor | 13 June 1992 | For services to opera | 90
Dame Norma Restieaux
DBE |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 13 June 1992 | For services to cardiology | 91
Dame Dawn Lamb
DBE JP |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 12 June 1993 | For services to education | 85
Sir Tipene O'Regan
ONZ |  | Knight Bachelor | 11 June 1994 | For services to the Māori people and the community | 86
Sir Somerford Teagle
KBE |  | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 11 June 1994 | Chief of Defence Force | 87
Sir Dryden Spring |  | Knight Bachelor | 11 June 1994 | For services to the dairy industry | 85
Dame Anne Salmond
ONZ DBE |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 31 December 1994 | For services to historical research | 79
Sir William Southgate |  | Knight Bachelor | 31 December 1994 | For services to music | 84
Dame Gillian Weir
DBE |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 30 December 1995 | For services to music | 84
Dame Kate Harcourt
DNZM JP |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 1996 | For services to the theatre | 98
Dame Fiona Kidman
DNZM OBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1997 | For services to literature | 85
Sir Ron Carter
ONZ KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1997 | For services to engineering and business administration | 90
Dame Susan Devoy
DNZM CBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 1998 | For services to sport and the community | 61
Sir Selwyn Cushing
KNZM CMG |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1998 | For services to business, sport and the arts | 88
Sir Bob Charles
ONZ KNZM CBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1998 | For services to golf | 89
Sir Doug Graham
KNZM PC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1998 | For services as a Minister of the Crown and Member of Parliament | 83
Dame Sian Elias
GNZM KC PC |  | Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 1999 | Chief Justice of New Zealand | 76
Sir Bill Birch
GNZM PC |  | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 1999 | For public services as a Member of Parliament and Minister of the Crown | 91
Dame Margaret Bazley
ONZ DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 1999 | For public services, lately as Chief Executive of the Department of Social Welfare | 87
Sir Gil Simpson
KNZM QSM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1999 | For services to information technology, commerce and the community | 77
Dame Judith Mayhew
DBE |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 15 June 2002 | For services to the City of London | 76
Sir Frederick Goodwin
KBE JP |  | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 11 June 2004 | For services to the community | 84
Sir Don McKinnon
ONZ GCVO PC |  | Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order | 9 March 2009 | formerly Commonwealth Secretary-General | 86
Sir Anand Satyanand
GNZM QSO KStJ |  | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 27 March 2009 | Governor-General of New Zealand | 81
Sir John Walker
KNZM CBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2009 | For services to sport and the community | 73
Dame Jenny Gibbs
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2009 | For services to the arts | 84
Sir John Goulter
KNZM JP |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business and the community | 84
Sir John Hansen
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the judiciary | 79–80
Sir John Henry
KNZM KC PC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as a judge of the Court of Appeal | 93
Sir Lloyd Geering
ONZ GNZM CBE |  | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to religious studies | 107
Dame Lois Muir
DNZM OBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to sports administration and netball | 90
Sir Peter Blanchard
KNZM PC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the judiciary | 83
Sir Peter Gluckman
ONZ KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to medicine | 76
Sir Ralph Norris
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business | 75–76
Sir Sidney Moko Mead
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to education and the Māori people | 98
Sir Stephen Tindall
GNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business and the community | 74
Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to business, the community, and the environment
Dame Sukhi Turner
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to local government | 73
Dame Linda Holloway
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to medicine | 85
Sir Alan Frampton
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to agriculture | 95
Sir John Wells
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business and sport | 82
Sir Ken Stevens
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to exporting | 80–81
Dame Deirdre Milne
DNZM QSO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to women and the community | 86
Dame Margaret Millard
DNZM JP |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the rural community | 85–86
Dame Pat Harrison
DNZM QSO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to education and the community | 92
Sir Henry van der Heyden
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to agriculture | 68
Sir Noel Robinson
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business and the community | 81
Sir David Mauger
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to paediatrics |
Sir Alan Mark
KNZM CBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to conservation | 93
Sir Peter Maire
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business | 73–74
Sir Patrick Mahony
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the Family Court |
Sir George Fistonich
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the wine industry | 84–85
Dame Jenny Shipley
DNZM PC |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as a Member of Parliament | 73
Sir Russell Coutts
KNZM CBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to yachting, especially the 2000 America's Cup challenge | 63
Dame Lynley Dodd
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to children's literature and book illustration | 83–84
Sir Andrew Tipping
KNZM PC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as a judge of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of New Zealand | 82
Sir Bruce Ferguson
KNZM OBE AFC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the New Zealand Defence Force, lately as Chief of Defence Force | 76
Dame Claudia Orange
DNZM OBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to historical research | 87
Sir David Carruthers
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the District Court | 84–85
Sir David Skegg
KNZM OBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to medicine | 77
Sir Doug Kidd
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as Speaker of the House of Representatives, 1996–99 | 83
Sir Eddie Durie
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the Māori Land Court, Waitangi Tribunal and High Court of New Zealand | 85
Sir Ted Thomas
KNZM KC PC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as a judge of the Court of Appeal | 90–91
Dame Gillian Whitehead
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to music | 84
Dame Margaret Sparrow
DNZM MBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to medicine and the community | 90
Dame Margaret Clark
DNZM CMG JP |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to education | 84
Dame Robin White
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to painting and printmaking | 79
Sir David Gascoigne
KNZM CBE QSO CStJ |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the arts and business | 85
Sir Tumu Te Heuheu
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to conservation | 82–83
Sir William Young
KNZM KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as president of the Court of Appeal of New Zealand | 73
Sir Mason Durie
ONZ KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2009 | For services to Māori health, in particular public health services | 86
Sir Peter Jackson
ONZ KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2009 | For services to film | 63
Dame Lesley Max
DNZM MBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2009 | For services to children | 79
Sir Bruce Robertson
KNZM KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2009 | For services as a judge of the High Court of New Zealand and the Court of Appeal of New Zealand | 81
Sir Hugh Williams
KNZM KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2010 | For services as a judge | 85
Sir Peter Leitch
KNZM QSM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2010 | For services to business and philanthropy | 81
Sir Richard Taylor
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2010 | For services to film | 60
Sir Ray Avery
GNZM |  | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services to philanthropy | 77–78
Sir William Gallagher
KNZM MBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services to business | 84
Sir Tamati Reedy
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services to education | 89
Dame Alison Holst
DNZM CBE QSM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services to the food industry | 86–87
Sir David Baragwanath
KNZM KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services as a judge of the Court of Appeal | 85
Sir Jerry Mateparae
GNZM QSO KStJ |  | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 20 May 2011 | Governor-General Designate | 70
Sir Graeme Harrison
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2011 | For services to business | 76
Sir Pat Higgins
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2011 | For services to philanthropy and the community | 87–88
Dame Rosanne Meo
DNZM OBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2011 | For services to business | 84–85
Sir Graham Henry
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2011 | For services to rugby | 79
Dame Suzie Moncrieff
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2011 | For services to the arts | 75–76
Sir Maarten Wevers
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2012 | For services to the State | 73
Sir Roderick Deane
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2012 | services to business and the community | 84
Dame Pieter Stewart
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2012 | For services to fashion and the community | 79
Sir John Kirwan
KNZM MBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2012 | For services to mental health and rugby | 60
Dame Beverley Wakem
DNZM CBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2012 | For services to the State | 81
Dame Judith Potter
DNZM CBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to the judiciary | 82
Sir Mark O'Regan
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to the judiciary | 71
Sir Mark Solomon
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to Māori and business | 70–71
Sir Owen Glenn
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to philanthropy | 85
Sir Mark Todd
KNZM CBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to equestrian sport | 69
Sir Bob Harvey
KNZM QSO |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to local-body affairs and the community | 82
Sir Julian Smith
KNZM OBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to business | 81
Dame Wendy Pye
DNZM MBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to business and education | 81–82
Sir Lockwood Smith
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2013 | For services as a member of Parliament and as speaker of the House of Representatives | 76
Sir John Davies
KNZM QSO |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2013 | For services to business and tourism | 84
Sir Gordon Tietjens
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2013 | For services to rugby | 69
Sir Malcolm Grant
CBE |  | Knight Bachelor | 15 June 2013 | For services to higher education | 77
Dame Trelise Cooper
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2013 | For services to fashion and the community | 67–68
Dame Alison Paterson
DNZM QSO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2013 | For services to business | 89
Sir Peter Vela
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2013 | For services to the Thoroughbred industry | 75–76
Sir Bob Parker
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2013 | For services to local-body affairs and the community | 72
Sir David Moxon
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2013 | For services to the Anglican Church | 73
Sir John Hood
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to tertiary education | 73
Dame Susan Glazebrook
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to the judiciary | 69
Sir Graeme Avery
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to business and sport | 84
Sir Robert Stewart
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to manufacturing and the community | 84–85
Sir Richard Hayes
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to Search and Rescue and the community | 73–74
Dame Lowell Goddard
DNZM KC |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to the law | 76
Dame Patsy Reddy
GNZM CVO QSO DStJ |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to the arts and business | 71
Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 27 June 2016 | Governor-General Designate
Sir Paul Collins
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to sports governance | 72
Sir Graham Panckhurst
KNZM KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to the judiciary | 79–80
Sir Murray Brennan
GNZM |  | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to medicine | 85
Dame Adrienne Stewart
DNZM QSM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to the arts and business | 88–89
Sir Patrick Lynch
KNZM QSO |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to education | 83
Sir Neville Jordan
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to business, science and the community | 82
Sir Jim McLay
KNZM QSO |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services to business and the State | 80
Sir Peter Talley
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services to business and philanthropy |
Sir Pita Sharples
KNZM CBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services as a Member of Parliament and to Māori | 84
Dame Diane Robertson
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services to the community | 72
Dame Bronwen Holdsworth
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services to business and the arts | 81
Dame Therese Walsh
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services to sports administration | 53–54
Dame Paula Rebstock
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2015 | For services to the State | 64
Sir Terence Arnold
KNZM KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2015 | For services to the judiciary | 77–78
Dame Jane Campion
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2015 | For services to film | 71
Sir David Fagan
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2015 | For services to shearing | 63–64
Sir Chris Mace
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to science and education | 81–82
Dame Karen Sewell
DNZM QSO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to education | 80–81
Sir Matiu Te Rei
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to Māori | 76–77
Sir Ron Young
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to the judiciary | 73–74
Dame Ellen France
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to the judiciary | 68–69
Sir Michael Friedlander
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to philanthropy | 88–89
Dame Valerie Adams
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to athletics | 40
Sir Brian Roche
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to the State and business | 69–70
Sir David Williams
KNZM KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to international law and international arbitration | 84
Dame Fran Wilde
DNZM QSO JP |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to the State and the community | 76
Sir Richard Faull
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to medical research | 79
Dame Georgina Kingi
DNZM QSO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to Māori and education |
Dame Julie Christie
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to governance and the television industry | 62–63
Dame Peggy Koopman-Boyden
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to seniors | 81
Sir Tīmoti Kāretu
KNZM QSO |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to the Māori language | 87–88
Sir Michael Jones
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to the Pacific community and youth | 60
Sir John Key
GNZM AC |  | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to the State | 64
Sir Graeme Dingle
KNZM MBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to youth | 79
Sir Douglas White
KNZM KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to the judiciary | 79
Sir John Clarke
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to Māori and heritage preservation | 83
Sir Bryan Williams
KNZM MBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to rugby | 74
Dame Annette King
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services as a Member of Parliament | 77
Dame Georgina te Heuheu
DNZM QSO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to the State and Māori | 81–82
Dame Denise L'Estrange-Corbet
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to fashion and the community | 64–65
Dame Naida Glavish
DNZM JP |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to Māori and the community | 78–79
Sir John Rowles
KNZM OBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to entertainment | 78
Dame Winnie Laban
DNZM QSO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to education and the Pacific community | 70
Sir Bill English
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to the State | 63
Dame Catherine Healy
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to the rights of sex workers | 69–70
Dame Jools Topp
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to entertainment | 67
Dame Lynda Topp
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to entertainment | 67
Dame Charmian O'Connor
DNZM CBE JP |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to education and chemistry | 88
Sir Tom Marsters
KBE |  | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 9 June 2018 | For services to the public and to the community | 80
Sir Tim Shadbolt
KNZM JP |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to local government and the community | 78
Dame Diana Crossan
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to the State | 75–76
Sir Kim Workman
KNZM QSO |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to prisoner welfare and the justice sector | 84–85
Sir Rob McLeod
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to business and Māori | 67–68
Dame Kerry Prendergast
DNZM JP |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to governance and the community | 72
Dame Gaylene Preston
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to film | 78
Dame Margaret Brimble
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to science | 63
Dame Helen Winkelmann
GNZM |  | Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 March 2019 | Chief Justice Designate | 62–63
Sir Roger Hall
KNZM QSO |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to theatre | 86
Dame Sue Bagshaw
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to youth health | 75
Sir Paul Adams
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to philanthropy and the community | 76–77
Dame Areta Koopu
DNZM CBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to Māori and the community | 84
Dame Fran Walsh
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to film | 66
Sir Graham Lowe
KNZM QSM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to youth and education | 78
Dame Noeline Taurua
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2019 | For services to netball | 57
Sir Joe Williams
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2019 | For services to the judiciary | 63–64
Dame Anna Crighton
DNZM QSO JP |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2019 | For services to heritage preservation and governance | 81
Dame Marilyn Waring
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2019 | For services to women and economics | 72
Sir Steve Hansen
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2019 | For services to rugby | 66
Sir Derek Lardelli
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2020 | For services to Māori art | 63–64
Dame Karen Poutasi
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2020 | For services to education and the State | 76
Dame Jane Harding
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2020 | For services to neonatology and perinatology | 69–70
Dame Juliet Gerrard
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services to science | 57–58
Dame Cindy Kiro
GNZM QSO DStJ |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services to child wellbeing and education | 66–67
Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 9 August 2021 | Governor-General Designate
Sir David Carter
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services as a Member of Parliament and as Speaker of the House of Representatives | 73
Sir Dave Dobbyn
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services to music | 68
Sir Ian Taylor
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services to broadcasting, business and the community | 75–76
Sir Pou Temara
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services to Māori and education | 76–77
Dame Carolyn Burns
DNZM CBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to ecological research | 83
Dame Judy Kilpatrick
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to nursing education | 75–76
Dame Hinewehi Mohi
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to Māori, music and television | 60–61
Dame Ruia Morrison
DNZM MBE |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to tennis | 89
Sir Michael Daniell
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to business, healthcare and governance | 68–69
Sir Bill Denny
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to medical research | 82
Sir Wayne Shelford
KNZM MBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to rugby and the community | 67
Sir Grahame Sydney
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to art | 76–77
Dame Lisa Carrington
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2021 | For services to canoe racing | 36
Dame Sophie Pascoe
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2021 | For services to swimming | 32
Dame Marie Shroff
DNZM CVO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2021 | For services to the State and the community | 80–81
Sir Chris Farrelly
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2021 | For services to health and the community | 73–74
Sir Jim Mann
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2021 | For services to health | 80
Dame Ruth Aitken
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2022 | For services to netball | 69
Dame Carolyn Henwood
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2022 | For services to the State, youth and the arts | 78
Dame Judy McGregor
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2022 | For services to human rights and health | 76–77
Sir Hugh Rennie
KNZM CBE KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2022 | For services to governance, the law, business and the community | 80
Sir Collin Tukuitonga
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2022 | For services to Pacific and public health | 67–68
Sir Sam Neill
KNZM OBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 9 June 2022 | For services to acting | 77
Dame Miranda Harcourt
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to the screen industry and theatre | 62–63
Dame Farah Palmer
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to sport, particularly rugby | 52
Dame Jan Wright
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to the state and the environment |
Sir Ashley Bloomfield
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to public health | 59–60
Sir Mark Dunajtschik
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to philanthropy | 89–90
Sir Haare Williams
KNZM JP |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to Māori, literature and education | 90–91
Dame Julie Maxton
DBE |  | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 31 December 2022 | For services to science and to the law | 69
Dame Jacinda Ardern
GNZM |  | Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to the State | 45
Dame Jo Brosnahan
DNZM QSO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to governance and business |
Dame Teuila Percival
DNZM QSO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to health and the Pacific community |
Dame Helene Quilter
DNZM QSO |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to the public service and the arts |
Sir Stephen Kós
KNZM KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to the judiciary and legal education | 66
Sir Selwyn Parata
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to Māori | 68–69
Sir Wayne Smith
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to rugby | 68
Sir Crawford Falconer
KCMG |  | Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George | 29 December 2023 | For services to international trade | 70–71
Dame Sarai Bareman
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2023 | For services to football governance | 44–45
Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan
DNZM JP |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2023 | For services to Māori and business |
Sir Scott Macfarlane
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2023 | For services to health |
Sir Trevor Mallard
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2023 | For services as a member of Parliament and as Speaker of the House of Representatives | 71
Sir Ian Mune
KNZM OBE |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2023 | For services to film, television and theatre | 83–84
Dame Theresa Gattung
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2024 | For services to women, governance and philanthropy | 62–63
Dame Joan Withers
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2024 | For services to business, governance and women | 71–72
Sir Peter Beck
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2024 | For services to the aerospace industry, business and education | 48–49
Sir Peter Hunter
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2024 | For services to medical science | 77
Dame Julie Chapman
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to children and the community | 53–54
Dame Ingrid Collins
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to Māori, business and health governance | 79–80
Dame Lydia Ko
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to golf | 28
Sir John Gallagher
KNZM KStJ |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to business, education, philanthropy and the community | 85–86
Sir Ted Manson
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to philanthropy, the community and business | 71
Sir Peter Skelton
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to environmental law | 85
Dame Ranjna Patel
DNZM QSM JP |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2025 | For services to ethnic communities, health and family violence prevention |
Dame Alison Stewart
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2025 | For services to plant science and the arable sector | 67–68
Dame Catriona Williams
DNZM |  | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2025 | For services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport |
Sir Mark Cooper
KNZM KC |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2025 | For services to the judiciary |
Sir Brendan Lindsay
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2025 | For services to business and philanthropy |
Sir Ewan Smith
KNZM |  | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2025 | For services to Cook Islands business and tourism | 74
Sir Trevor Clarke
KBE |  | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 14 June 2025 | For services to Cook Islands business and tourism | 82–83

## See also

[edit]

* Living Australian knights and dames

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Additional Statutes of The New Zealand Order of Merit (SR 2000/84)". Parliamentary Counsel Office. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
2. ^ "The New Zealand Order of Merit". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 5 June 2017. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
3. ^ "Titular Honours to be reinstated" (Press release). Wellington: New Zealand Government. Scoop. 9 March 2009. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
4. ^ "Additional Statutes of The New Zealand Order of Merit (SR 2009/90)". Parliamentary Counsel Office. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
5. ^ "Reinstatement of titular honours: Principal and Distinguished Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit" (PDF). New Zealand Government. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
6. ^ Baguley, David. "Reinstatement of titles in the New Zealand honours system: Questions and answers" (PDF). New Zealand Government. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
7. ^ "Who's opting for titular honour and who's not". Otago Daily Times. 1 August 2009. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
8. ^ Rudd, Allison (1 August 2009). "All but two from Otago opt for titles". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
9. ^ "Heather Begg now Dame Heather". The New Zealand Herald. 17 April 2009. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
10. ^ "Special honours list 1 August 2009". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 5 April 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
11. ^ "Dames and Knights Honours 2009 List". New Zealand Gazette. No. 118\. 12 August 2009. p. 2691. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
12. ^ "Redesignation in the New Zealand Order of Merit". New Zealand Gazette. 21 December 2021. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
13. ^ "Redesignation in the New Zealand Order of Merit". New Zealand Gazette. 14 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.