On this final morning of investiture ceremonies at Government House Wellington, eleven individuals were recognised for their significant contributions to New Zealand and our communities.
Professor Dame Helen Danesh-Meyer received the insignia of a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to ophthalmology. Dame Helen is an internationally recognised leader in the clinical science of interactions between the brain and the eye, and in 2023, received the College Medal – the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists’ highest award for outstanding service.
Mr Stewart Germann was awarded an ONZM for services to franchise law as the only lawyer in New Zealand qualified as a Certified Franchise Executive. Ms Val Smith ONZM is New Zealand’s most internationally capped outdoor bowls athlete, playing 667 games for our country.
Congratulations to all this morning’s recipients, your friends and families.
To find more images from this morning's ceremony, please visit Investiture ceremony 22 May 2026 AM.