Sarah Hirini, of Papamoa, MNZM, for services to rugby
Sarah Hirini is the Captain of the Black Ferns Sevens and has been a leading figure in the recognition of women’s rugby in New Zealand. She has led the Black Ferns Sevens team to two Rugby World Cup Sevens victories, an Olympic Games silver medal and a Commonwealth Games gold medal. She has brought a strong work ethic, leadership and commitment to her appearances for the Black Ferns and the Black Ferns Sevens. Mrs Hirini was recognised as the Women’s Player of the Year at the 2017 New Zealand Rugby Awards and the Best Female Athlete in Oceania at the Association of National Olympic Committees in Prague in 2017.