Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Prime Minister

The recipients on the 2026 New Year Honours list have been congratulated by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

“This New Year brings us three new Dames and four Knights, whose achievements merit this high honour,” Mr Luxon says.

Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer becomes a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to ophthalmology.

“Dame Helen is New Zealand’s pre-eminent authority in ophthalmology and a recognised leader in the clinical science of interactions between the eye and the brain. She is ranked among the top ten glaucoma specialists in the world this year. Her contribution is significant globally,” says Mr Luxon.

Coral Shaw, who chaired the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care is also appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

“Dame Coral’s work on the Royal Commission of Inquiry was the culmination of a lifetime of service to the judiciary and the community. She has chaired sector reviews of the Human Rights Commission and Fire and Emergency New Zealand and has served as a judge on the District Court, Employment Court and United Nations Disputes Tribunal. We thank her for her service.”

Dorothy Spotswood, together with her partner Sir Mark Dunajtschik, have contributed to a range of philanthropic causes and charities for more than 50 years.

“In honouring Dame Dorothy as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit we are reflecting the enormous contribution she alongside Sir Mark have made to New Zealand, particularly the Wellington region. The $53 million contribution to build the Wellington Children’s Hospital and the further $10 million for the Dorothy Spotswood Charity Hospital is just part of the couple’s philanthropic legacy and one this country remains humbly grateful for,” Mr Luxon says.

“It is also a pleasure to announce that New Zealand’s most successful modern motorsport champion becomes a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

“Scott Dixon is currently the longest serving driver in the history of the Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, has claimed his 6th IndyCar Championship and his 4th Daytona victory with Wayne Taylor Racing. Sir Scott is a hero to young New Zealand motorsport fans and his work fundraising for children’s charities is invaluable,” Mr Luxon says.

Rod Drury also receives the honour of becoming a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

“Sir Rod is a titan of New Zealand business. While at the helm of Xero, it became New Zealand’s second largest tech exporter, generating thousands of jobs and supporting more than four million customers worldwide. The company were pioneers in mental health and diversity. Since 2020 he has spearheaded public good infrastructure and philanthropic projects. His entrepreneurial career has seen New Zealand benefit in the fields of education, the environment, and renewable energy.”

Professor Graham Le Gros of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research is appointed as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

“Sir Graham doubled the size of the Institute and developed major new programmes in cancer immunotherapy, vaccine development, and inflammatory disease. He has helped shape a generation of scientific leadership in New Zealand.”

Chris Parkin is made a Knight Companion of the Order of New Zealand Merit for services to philanthropy and the arts.

“The contribution of Sir Chris to the arts through the funding website ‘Boosted’ is in excess of $16 million and has funded more than 2000 creative projects. In addition, his national art competition, the Parkin Drawing Prize, has awarded more than $300,000 in prize money. Sir Chris’s philanthropic contribution to the arts is significant,” Mr Luxon says.

“To Dame Helen, Dame Coral and Dame Dorothy – and to Sir Scott, Sir Rod, Sir Graham and Sir Chris, thank you for your dedication, hard work, and service to New Zealand.

“I would like to congratulate all 177 recipients of this year’s New Year honours and on behalf of the thousands of people who have benefited from your efforts, please accept my personal thanks.” Mr Luxon says.

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