Labour’s last Honours List
The New Year Honours 2009 List was approved by the previous Government, as is traditional.
A rare appointment has been made to the top run of the NZ Order of Merit – Principal Companion. This is equal to the old Grand Cross Knight, and it goes to Professor Ngatata Love. Few would disagree – he has been the voice of Maori in Wellington for many decades.
There are four appointments to the Order as Distinguished Companions, equivalent to the old Knights and Dames. They are:
- Dr Claudia Orange
- Professor David Skegg
- Murray Wells
- Margaret Wilson
Mr Wells is possibly not as well known as the other three. Some may not like Wilson’s appointment, but it used to be traditional for the Speaker to be knighted, and she has been given the equivalent.
Some of the CNZMs are:
- Brian Corban
- Steve Maharey
- Mark Prebble
- John Werry
- Mike Rann (Premier of South Australia)
Congratulations to all those granted honours.