As Wellington welcomed a new year, the capital also paused to honour the people who have quietly shaped its character, strengthened its institutions, and given back to the city they call home.

From scientific breakthroughs and philanthropy to arts patronage and community service, Wellingtonians featured strongly in this year’s New Year Honours list — a reminder that behind the city’s creative, compassionate reputation are people who have spent decades doing the work.

A New Dame, New Knights — and a Capital’s Pride

Wellington gained one new Dame and three new Knights in the 2026 New Year Honours, alongside a long list of residents recognised across health, law, arts, business, youth, sport and community service.

At the highest level, Dorothy Myrtle Spotswood, of Wellington, was appointed Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to philanthropy.

Three Wellington-connected figures were appointed Knights Companion:

• Sir Rodney Kenneth Drury, founder of Xero, formerly of Wellington

• Sir Graham Stephen Le Gros, medical scientist and long-time director of the Malaghan Institute

• Sir Christopher Wilton Parkin, philanthropist and arts patron

Together, their stories reflect three pillars of Wellington life: innovation, science, and culture.

Sir Graham Le Gros: Science, Service and Stepping Back

For Sir Graham Le Gros, the honour comes at a reflective moment. Recently retired as director of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, he describes himself as being on a “gap year” — albeit one spent trapping pests in the Orongorongos and catching up on decades of deferred home maintenance.

Appointed a Knight Companion for services to medical science, Sir Graham has spent more than 30 years advancing immunotherapy in New Zealand — at a time when using the immune system to fight cancer was far from mainstream.

Under his leadership, the Malaghan Institute more than doubled in size, expanded its research programmes, and helped bring CAR T-cell cancer therapy to Aotearoa. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he also played a key role in the development of locally backed vaccine capability through the Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand.

His motivation, he says, has always been deeply human: patients, families, and lives cut short far too early.

Sir Christopher Parkin: A Life Given to the Arts

For Sir Christopher Parkin, philanthropy has long been a natural extension of success. A Wellington-based property developer, he has quietly become one of the country’s most significant supporters of the arts.

Knighted for services to philanthropy and the arts, Parkin established the Parkin Drawing Prize, which has awarded more than $300,000 to artists, and is the principal supporter of Boosted, a crowdfunding platform that has raised more than $16 million for creative projects nationwide.

His extensive art collection is visible throughout Wellington — from the QT Hotel to apartment hallways — reflecting a belief that art should live among people, not behind closed doors.

For Parkin, the arts are not a luxury, but a foundation: a way of thinking that fuels innovation, creativity, and even scientific progress.

Dame Dorothy Spotswood: Giving Back to a Kind City

If any honour felt inevitable, it was that of Dame Dorothy Spotswood.

Alongside her partner, Sir Mark Dunajtschik, she has reshaped Wellington’s healthcare landscape through major philanthropic gifts — including $53 million toward Wellington Children’s Hospital, which opened in 2022.

Earlier this year, the couple announced a further $10 million donation toward the base build of the Dorothy Spotswood Charity Hospital, continuing a legacy of practical, hands-on generosity.

Dame Dorothy describes it simply: Wellington was a kind city, and kindness deserved to be returned. From pouring concrete on early property builds to supporting disability care in Kāpiti, her work has always stayed grounded in people, not profile.

Sir Rod Drury: From Wellington Startup to Global Impact

Though now based in Queenstown, Sir Rod Drury’s story remains deeply Wellingtonian.

Knighted for services to business, technology and philanthropy, Drury co-founded Xero in Wellington in 2006, growing it from a startup into a global platform serving millions.

Since stepping away from the company, he has redirected his energy into public infrastructure, environmental restoration, transport solutions and community health — applying entrepreneurial thinking to civic challenges.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described him as a “titan” of New Zealand business, crediting his work with creating jobs, opportunity and long-term value.

Honouring Service Across the City

Beyond the Knights and Dame, dozens of Wellingtonians were recognised across all levels of the New Zealand Order of Merit — including leaders in women’s health, journalism, disability advocacy, education, youth work, hospitality, law, sport and rail heritage.

It was a reminder that Wellington’s strength lies not only in high-profile leadership, but in sustained service across communities, often unseen.

A City That Celebrates Together

As honours were announced, Wellington also gathered to welcome 2026 — proving once again that civic pride here is as much about community as ceremony.

Despite an early thunderstorm warning, New Year’s Eve celebrations went ahead on the waterfront and in Courtenay Place. Low cloud obscured the midnight fireworks for some, but the city delivered a rare gift: a warm, windless, rain-free window that allowed families, friends and visitors to celebrate together.

Courtenay Place was transformed into a pedestrian carnival zone, while Whairepo Lagoon hosted a packed programme of music, food and fireworks — from a kids’ countdown to Orchestra Wellington and a midnight finale.

Public transport filled fast. One late-night Number 3 bus toward Lyall Bay reportedly reached capacity within stops — a small but telling sign of a city alive and moving.

Wellington, You Beauty

From Damehoods and Knighthoods to fireworks and full buses, the past week captured something essential about Wellington.

This is a city that honours contribution, values community, and shows up — rain or shine — to celebrate together.

As the new year begins, Wellington does what it does best: reflects, recognises, and keeps moving forward.