Statement on Sir Robert Chambers Knighthood

Office of the Chief Justice

This statement has been prepared for the media by Deborah Chambers to be used in conjunction with the announcement of Queen’s Birthday Honours this weekend.

It is of some comfort that Robert knew of his pending knighthood before his tragic unexpected death. I am grateful to the Prime Minister and the Governor-General for arranging for Rob’s honour to be backdated to 20 May 2012. It was lovely to be able to recognize the knighthood at his funeral.

We both recognized that the knighthood was acknowledgement of his work as a Supreme Court judge. Like other judges he achieved his position of Supreme Court judge as a result of years of dedicated public service to New Zealanders. He was delighted to receive the public affirmation that a knighthood represents.

Our family is very proud of Rob and Rob was very proud to serve New Zealand.

- Deborah Chambers

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