Investitures began at Government House Wellington this afternoon with twelve recipients honoured in a range of fields.
Five recipients received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit: Mr Scott O’Donnell for services to business, Mr Baye Riddell for services to Māori clay art, Mrs Archna Tandon for services to ethnic communities and women, Mr Hamish Taverner for services to people with learning disabilities, and Mrs Sharon Williamson for services to hockey.
Three recipients received their MNZM, and three more were awarded their KSM in areas of education, music, Māori mental health and addiction services, the Niuean community, and rural communities.
Professor Alan Hemmings was awarded the New Zealand Antarctic Medal for services to Antarctic law and environmental protection. Professor Hemmings has contributed more than 40 years to the areas of Antarctic science, policy, and conservation.
To find more images from the ceremony, please visit the image gallery for the afternoon investiture ceremony on 14 September 2026.