New Year Honours 2026: Seven New Knights and Dames Named

By Lions Roar News National Desk

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (December 31, 2025) – The 2026 New Year Honours list has been officially unveiled, recognizing 177 extraordinary New Zealanders for their contributions to the nation. This year, the highest accolades—Knight and Dame Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit—have been bestowed upon seven distinguished individuals from the worlds of science, sport, business, and philanthropy.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the recipients, stating they represent the very best of Aotearoa through their “significant global and local impact.”

⚔️ New Knights and Dames of Aotearoa

Knight Companions (KNZM):

Sir Scott Dixon, CNZM: One of New Zealand’s greatest motorsport champions. The six-time IndyCar champion was honored for his legendary racing career and his extensive work with children’s charities.
Sir Rod Drury: The visionary founder of Xero. Sir Rod was recognized for his massive impact on the technology sector, job creation, and his leadership in mental health and diversity within business.
Sir Graham Le Gros, CNZM: The recently retired director of the Malaghan Institute. He was honored for his pioneering work in medical science, particularly in using the immune system to fight cancer and his role in COVID-19 vaccine development.
Sir Chris Parkin, CNZM: A prominent entrepreneur and arts patron. Sir Chris was recognized for his life-long commitment to philanthropy and his significant contributions to the hospitality industry and local government.

Dame Companions (DNZM):

Dame Helen Danesh-Meyer, CNZM: A world-leading ophthalmologist. She was recognized for her groundbreaking work in glaucoma and her standing as one of the top specialists globally.
Dame Coral Shaw: A former judge who recently chaired the Royal Commission of Inquiry into historical abuse in state care. She was honored for her tireless service to the judiciary and the most vulnerable members of society.
Dame Dorothy Spotswood: A dedicated philanthropist. Alongside her partner, she contributed $53 million to build the Wellington Children’s Hospital and has supported charities for over five decades.

🌊 Eight Pasifika Recipients Honored for Leadership and Service

The New Year 2026 Honours List for Aotearoa includes eight Pasifika recipients this year, reflecting a deep commitment to community, art, and education.

Leading the accolades for the Member of The New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) is All Blacks great Saveatama Eroni Clarke for services to the Pacific community and rugby. He is recognised for his continuing services to rugby, Pacific leadership, and mental health services.

“This is such a humbling moment for me to even accept an award like this. I mean, it’s something that we’ve been handed the mantle from our previous generations to take on and run with it,” Saveatama said. He added that he is grateful for the acknowledgement and owes it all to his family, especially his wife Siala. “She’s been my right arm, she’s been my strength, and my children have been the source of my motivation… I live and breathe them.”

Other Pasifika MNZM Recipients:

Mrs. Mokafetu Smith: For services to Pacific Art.
Jade Carlo Farrar: For services to people with disabilities and the Pacific community. “For me, it’s an acknowledgement that there is amazing insight, talent, and skill within the disability community,” Farrar said.
Professor Tracie Mafile’o: Recognized for contributions to Pacific and tertiary education. “This is an encouragement to keep me going; it’s an affirmation of the work we do for our Pasifika spaces,” she noted.

King’s Service Medal (KSM) Recipients:

Ms. Aere Anne Nicholas: For services to the community.
Sailauama Cheryl Talamaivao: For services to the Pacific community and education.
Reverend Wayne Saunoa Moegagogo Toleafoa: For services to the Pacific community.
Mrs. Enatuleni Ikitoa Polima: For services to the Niuean community.