This morning, seven further New Zealanders were honoured at Government House Auckland. Dame Elizabeth Rata received her insignia as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education, recognising an academic career spanning five decades, both in New Zealand and internationally.
Dr James Farmer, KC, received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the law. Dr Farmer’s legal career has included leading New Zealand’s largest-ever civil case and undertaking negotiations with the Government that saved Air New Zealand from insolvency.
Two recipients received their ONZM, two received their MNZM, and one received their KSM – for services to cricket and basketball, drug testing and forensic toxicology, health and harness racing, swimming, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and the community.
To find more images from the ceremony, please visit the image gallery for the morning investiture ceremony of 30 September 2026.