Monarchy New Zealand is pleased to congratulate New Zealanders honoured for their services to their community, in the 2014 New Years Honours List.
Well-known Kiwis have received awards reflecting their passion and success in their industries and communities both across the country, and on an international scale.
Monarchy New Zealand Vice-Chair Chloe Oldfield is pleased to welcome the new additions to the New Zealand Order of Merit, and thanks the recipients for their achievements and service.
“The New Years Honours recipients truly reflect the excellent work Kiwis achieve. Well-deserving recipients have been awarded.
“New Years is a great time to reflect on the year, and to be proud of our fellow New Zealanders who have achieved phenomenal success during the past 12 months,” said Ms Oldfield.
To be a Knight Grand Companion of the said Order:
Professor Murray Frederick Brennan has been awarded the highest class of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to medicine.
Sir Murray studied medicine at Otago University before heading to Harvard University. He led the surgery department of the world’s largest cancer centre – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York – for 21 years. Sir Murray is considered a world leading cancer specialist
To Be Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit include Ellen Adrienne, Lady Stewart, of Christchurch, for services to the arts and business and the Honourable Tariana Turia, of Whanganui, for her services as a Member of Parliament.
Dame Adrienne has spent her life as a patron, supporter, board member, and philanthropist of the arts. Her beneficiaries include the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the Christchurch Arts Festival, and the Auckland Philharmonia
To Be Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit include Ian Athfield, for services to architecture. Paul Collins, for services to sports governance. Neville Jordan, for services to business, science, and the community. Brother Patrick Lynch, for services to education. The Honourable Graham Panckhurst, QC, for services to the judiciary. Donald Rowlands, for services to business and rowing and Peter Williams, QC, for services to the law.
Sir Peter was admitted to the bar in 1960 and has been a long serving advocate for penal reform and prisoner’s rights ever since. Throughout his career as a barrister he has served on many high profile cases and is arguably one of the most famous defence lawyers in the country.
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