This morning, Dame Helen welcomed eight outstanding New Zealanders for their investiture ceremony, including Sir Scott Macfarlane, who was recognised for transforming the treatment of child cancer in New Zealand. Sir Scott led the development of the National Child Cancer Network, which helped reduce inequity of child cancer treatment across Aotearoa. As a result of this coordinated approach, the child cancer survival rate rose from every second child not surviving 40 years ago, to more than 80% surviving today.
Also among those recognised was Bill Urale, better known as King Kapisi, who was the first hip hop artist to receive the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll songwriting award. He was also recognised for his work in the community, including his advocacy for the Turning the Tide on Suicide campaign and Whare 4 Whānau. Congratulations to all of today’s recipients!
For more images, click here: Friday 3 May AM media gallery.
