Michael Cullen
Hon Sir Michael Cullen, of Whakatane, received the Insignia of a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the State. Sir Michael’s political career spanned three decades, including as a Member of Parliament, Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Before entering politics, he was a lecturer at the University of Otago for 10 years and a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University. He served as a senior whip and was Minister of Social Welfare from 1987 to 1990. He held many ministerial portfolios, including Minister in Charge of War Pensions, Minister of Revenue, and Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations. He was appointed as the Attorney-General in 2005; the second non-lawyer to hold the post. He was Minister of Finance and Leader of the House from 1999 to 2008 and Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2008. Since retiring from Parliament in 2009, Sir Michael has served as Deputy Chair and Chair of New Zealand Post.