Renowned New Zealand and Samoan author and academic, Emeritus Professor Albert Wendt, receives New Zealand’s highest honour in the Queen’s Birthday honours list announced on 3 June 2013.
Professor Wendt becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZ), for services to New Zealand. He is one of more than 150 people to be honoured in the Queen's Birthday honours list.
The list includes one new Dame Companion (DNZM) of the New Zealand Order of Merit and four Knights Companion (KNZM). They are: Dame Ngāneko Minhinnick, of Waiuku, for services to Māori and conservation; the late Hon Sir Robert Chambers, of Auckland, for services to the judiciary; Sir John Davies, of Queenstown, for services to business and tourism; Dr Rt Hon Sir Alexander Lockwood Smith, of London, for services as an MP and as Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Sir Gordon Tietjens, of Tauranga, for services to rugby. Sir Robert’s knighthood was the subject of a separate announcement by the Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, on 24 May 2013.
Others to be honoured to include: Auckland High Court Judge Christopher Allan; public servant Dr Murray Horn, of New Plymouth; philanthropist Peter Biggs, of Melbourne; Auckland businessman Craig Heatley; Auckland writer, commentator and art curator Hamish Keith; and Omapere kaumātua John Klaricich, who were made Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Also to receive the CNZM are Rotary International President Bill Boyd, Auckland businessman Kevin Roberts, Wellington dance instructor Deidre Tarrant, former All Black and Samoa rugby coach Bryan Williams and Wellington Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon. Mr McKinnon's brother, former Secretary of Defence, John McKinnon, is made a Companion of the Queen's Service Order (QSO) for services to the State.
Also recognised in the list are: Victoria University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Māori), Professor Piri Sciascia, former Canterbury University media law expert, Emeritus Professor John Burrows, and former New Zealand football coach John Adshead, who become an Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). Those made Members of the Order (MNZM) include scientist, writer and cartoonist Dr Bob Brockie, Auckland mezzo-soprano Helen Medlyn and Nelson photographer Craig Potton.
To view the full list: click here