During the final morning of investitures at Government House Auckland, eight individuals received honours for their commitment to our communities.
Mr Peter Thompson received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to philanthropy and rugby. Mr Thompson is managing director of Barfoot and Thompson, and has led long-term sponsorship of the Starship Foundation, raising over $6 million dollars for Starship since 2003.
Ms Ann Smaill received the insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to speech-language therapy. Ms Smaill is a speech-language therapist who pioneered Augmentative and Alternative Communication in New Zealand.
Five recipients received their MNZM for services to rhinology, music, rugby, education, Paediatric Surgery and the Sri Lankan community, and one recipient received their KSM for services to the community.
You can view more images from the ceremony here: Investiture ceremony 2 October 2026 AM.