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Dame Ann Ballin has made an outstanding contribution to the welfare of New Zealanders. She was chairperson of the Victims’ Task Force from 1988 to 1993 and pioneered changes in the criminal justice system to ensure greater justice for victims of crime.…

Sir Owen Woodhouse had a distinguished legal career as a lawyer, jurist and chair of government commissions. He was a law partner from 1946 to 1961 prior to his appointment to the New Zealand Supreme Court. Sir Owen was appointed a Judge of the New…

Mr Ralph Hotere is a painter, sculptor and collaborative artist and is regarded as one of New Zealand's most important contemporary artists. His works are a reaction to local and global social and environmental issues and are dominated by black, both in…

Lady Blundell, born 1922, is the widow of Sir Denis Blundell (the Governor-General of New Zealand from 1972 to 1977). Over the years, she has made a contribution to New Zealand society through a wide range of community and welfare work. She has been…

Margaret Mahy, born 1936, is one of New Zealand’s greatest authors of children’s literature and is regarded as one of the best authors of English books for children in the world. As well as writing many prolific, popular, and award winning books, she has…

Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan, born 1932, has been active in a wide-range of educational, welfare, cultural, and community programmes for Maori people for over 30 years. She has worked towards the harmonious relationship between the Maori and European New…

Doreen Blumhardt, born 1914, is one of New Zealand’s foremost potters and has worked as a ceramicist and arts educator for 70 years. She is considered to be a pioneer of art education and was head of the Art Department of Wellington College of Education…

Dr Ivan Lichter, born 1918, is a retired thoracic surgeon who is regarded as one of the founding fathers of palliative care and the modern hospice movement in New Zealand. He has devoted his life to this branch of medicine, improving the standards of care…

Sir Edmund Hillary, born 1919, is a New Zealand mountaineer and explorer and is one of New Zealand’s most famous living icons. He is most notable for conquering the summit of Mount Everest; however, he has also made significant contributions…

Professor MacDiarmid has made an outstanding contribution to chemistry and the New Zealand science community. He was born and educated in New Zealand but has lived and worked in the United States of America since 1950. In 2000 he was one of three joint…

Sir Hugh Kawharu has an outstanding record of service as an academic and to the Maori people. In 1970 he was the foundation Professor of Social Anthropology and Maori Studies at Massey University. Between 1985 and 1993 he was Professor of Maori Studies…

Born 1931. Arikinui (Head) of the Maori Kingship to which she was elected in succession to her father, King Koroki, the 5th Maori King, in 1966. She is the highest ranking person in the Tainui tribes who live in the Waikato. She is Patron of the Maori…

Mr Lange, during the past twenty-five years, has made a major contribution to public affairs in New Zealand. He was the Member of Parliament for Mangere from 1977 to 1996 and served as Deputy and later Leader of the Opposition. In 1984, at the age of 41,…

Born 1923. For many years active in trade union movement. First women vice-president of the Federation of Labour (1981-87). Founder New Zealand Child Care Association. National chairperson of the New Zealand International Year of Peace Committee, 1986,…

Born 1917. He is regarded as one of the world's leading athletic coaches. He helped start jogging in many countries and the movement is now world-wide. Citation prepared 1990

Dr Pickering has made an outstanding contribution to science and engineering, in particular relating to the exploration of the solar system which has been of immense international importance and benefit. He was born in Wellington and educated at…

Born 1924. She is one of New Zealand’s foremost authors and literary figures. Citation prepared 1990

Born 1900. Her Majesty, consort of the late King George VI, was appointed to the Order during her 90th year. Citation prepared 1990

Born 1916. Anglican Bishop of Aotearoa from 1968 to 1981. During this period and in his retirement he made a significant contribution to Maoridom, in particular as a Member of the Waitangi Tribunal. Citation prepared 1989

Born 1911. Poet, critic and dramatist. On the staff of the English Department of Auckland University 1951-76. Author of over 18 volumes of poems. In 1989 received The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry. Citation prepared 1990

Born 1915. Composer. Tutor, lecturer, senior lecturer, Associate Professor and Professor of Music, Victoria University of Wellington, 1947-79. Member of numerous music organisations. Citation prepared 1988

Born 1907. At the time of his appointment to the Order he was the senior New Zealand Privy Counsellor (appointed 1968). He was a Judge of the High Court from 1957 to 1962 and the Court of Appeal from 1962 to 1976. He was President of the Court of Appeal…

Born 1910. The elder statesman of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand. Master of Knox Theological College 1963-78 and a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand. He was active in a variety of community and welfare organisations.…

Born 1902. The doyen of New Zealand educationalists. Director of Education 1940-60. He held senior UNESCO appointments overseas and was New Zealand Ambassador to France 1960-63. Citation prepared 1987

Born 1919. An eminent public servant and economist. Secretary to the Treasury 1969-77. He was also a lay member of the High Court. Arts patron. Citation prepared 1989

Born 1921. Eminent scientist. Emeritus Professor of Microbiology, University of Auckland. Citation prepared 1988

Businessman and patron of the arts. Citation prepared 1988

Born 1905. Former Diplomat (High Commissioner to Western Samoa from 1949-60). He was the First New Zealand Ombudsman 1962-75 and served as Chief Ombudsman 1975-1977. Citation prepared 1990

Past President of the Maori Women’s Welfare League. She was at the forefront of Maori issues for over 60 years. Citation prepared 1991

President of the Federation of Labour. Citation prepared 1988

Long serving Labour MP and sometime Leader of the Opposition. Citation prepared 1987

Professor Stead is regarded as one of New Zealand's leading poets, novelists and critics. Professor Stead has been involved in New Zealand Literature as a poet, novelist, critic and academic for over 55 years. He was an Professor of English at the…