Aotearoa New Zealand’s most capped Silver Ferns Coach, Dame Ruth Aitken, was presented with her DNZM at Government House this morning. Dame Ruth coached our national netball team from 2002 to 2011, helping them win a World Netball Championship and two Commonwealth Games gold medals. Four-time Golden Shears champion John Kirkpatrick received an ONZM in recognition of his contributions to shearing sports. Over the past 26 years, Mr Kirkpatrick has achieved 211 individual wins.
Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse both received their MNZM for services to the community and occupational health and safety. The pair are founding members of the Stand With Pike Families Reference Group, which represents the majority of the families of the 29 miners who lost their lives in the Pike River tragedy 12 years ago.
