The following individuals have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours for their distinguished service to New Zealand across a wide range of fields, including public service, health, education, science, culture, sport, community leadership, and philanthropy. These honours acknowledge sustained excellence, leadership, and significant contributions to the nation.

Dame Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM)

• DANESH-MEYER, Professor Helen Victoria, CNZM – For services to ophthalmology

• SHAW, Coral May – For services to public service, the judiciary and the community

• SPOTSWOOD, Dorothy Myrtle – For services to philanthropy

Knight Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM)

• DIXON, Scott Ronald Glyndwr, CNZM – For services to motorsport

• DRURY, Rodney Kenneth (Rod) – For services to business, the technology industry and philanthropy

• LE GROS, Professor Graham Stephen, CNZM – For services to medical science

• PARKIN, Christopher Wilton (Chris), CNZM – For services to philanthropy and the arts

Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)

• BARCLAY, Gregor John (Greg) – For services to sports governance

• BATEUP, Neil Frank, ONZM – For services to the rural sector

• COMER, Leith Pirika, QSO – For services to Māori, governance and education

• DE VILLIERS, Professor Charl Johannes – For services to accountancy

• HAYWARD, Dr Bruce William, MNZM – For services to geology, particularly micropalaeontology

• LAWTON, Professor Beverley-Anne (Bev), ONZM – For services to women’s health

• MARTIN, Distinguished Professor Gaven John – For services to mathematics and education

• MOUGHAN, Distinguished Professor Paul James – For services to science

• QUINN, Anthony Zan (Tony) – For services to motorsport and the community

• ROA, Professor Thomas Charles (Tom), JP – For services to Māori language and education

• TAULELEI, Rachel Emere, MNZM – For services to business, Māori and governance

• TROTT, Donald Stanley Mackintosh, ONZM, JP – For services to opera

Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)

Recipients include individuals recognised for outstanding contributions to survivors of abuse, agriculture, disability advocacy, Māori development, journalism, sport, governance, health, education, the arts, humanitarian aid, and community leadership.
(Names and citations as listed in the official record.)

Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)

Recipients include individuals honoured for significant service to governance, journalism, education, conservation, science, culture, sport, youth, disability advocacy, Māori and Pacific communities, and the arts.
(Names and citations as listed in the official record.)

Companions of the King’s Service Order (KSO)

• HARAWIRA, Mark Joseph (Joe) – For services to Māori education, arts and conservation

• NICKELS, Kerry Ann – For services to the Red Cross

The King’s Service Medal (KSM)

Recipients have been recognised for dedicated service to communities throughout New Zealand, including contributions to emergency services, arts and culture, heritage preservation, sport, education, conservation, and humanitarian work.
(Names and citations as listed in the official record.)

New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD)

• BROWN, Commodore Andrew Gilchrist – For services to the New Zealand Defence Force

These honours reflect the Government’s appreciation of the exceptional commitment and service demonstrated by recipients in advancing the wellbeing, values, and international standing of Aotearoa New Zealand.