One hundred and seventy-eight New Zealanders have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours list for their service to Aotearoa.
The awards were given to people who have helped in many areas, including sport, education, health, policing, business and community work. This year, 83 women and 95 men received honours, with the largest group recognised for helping communities, volunteers and local services.
There were six new knights and dames in the list. Susan Hassall, the first woman to become headmaster of a boys’ state school, was made a dame for services to education. Professor Elizabeth Rata was also made a dame for her work in education. Dr Paul Baker, Peter Boshier, Professor Emeritus James Chapman and David Ellis were made knights.
Several sports stars were also honoured, including discus Olympian Beatrice Faumuinā and cricketer Suzie Bates. Former rugby player and coach Earle Kirton, along with former rugby player Vania Wolfgramm, were also recognised.
Faumuinā has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport and governance. She represented New Zealand at four Olympic Games and became the first Kiwi world champion in athletics. She also helped families who had to leave their homes during the 2023 Auckland anniversary floods. That means she has not only thrown a discus a very long way, but also helped people when they needed support.
In education, former Rangitoto College principal Patrick Gale and long-serving principal Alan McIntyre were included in the honours. Some well-known Māori academics, including Dr Reuben Collier, Emeritus Professor Pare Keiha and Dr Te Ripowai Higgins, were also celebrated.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon congratulated all the recipients and said their achievements helped make New Zealand stronger. The honours show that people can serve their country in many different ways. Some teach students, some help patients, some support communities, and others inspire people through sport. It is a reminder that doing good work for others can make a big difference.
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