To conclude a wonderful week of investiture ceremonies, eleven further outstanding New Zealanders received their Royal Honours insignia at Government House on this beautiful Wellington afternoon.
Mr Leith Comer, of Rotorua, received his CNZM for services to Māori, governance and education. As Chair of Ngāti Rangitihi, he led negotiations culminating in their Treaty Settlement and subsequently served as Chair of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group.
Mrs Sandra Hazlehurst received an ONZM for services to local government. She was the first woman to be Mayor of Hastings District, and under her leadership, Hastings District Council has become the most awarded local authority in New Zealand this decade. Also receiving an ONZM for services to the arts and event management, Ms Suzanne Porter has been instrumental in establishing New Plymouth as a national and international destination.
This afternoon’s ceremony saw recipients receive their Honours insignia across a range of areas including insurance, Land Search and Rescue, railway heritage, and services to the Pacific community.
You can view more images from the ceremony here: Investiture ceremony 22 May 2026 PM