King’s Birthday Honours: Which Kiwis are being recognised?

Twice a year, the Crown recognises New Zealanders for their services to the country and their incredible achievements.

For King’s Birthday, a list of 178 Kiwis has been released. 

Six are set to receive the top titles that can be awarded, which are Dame and Knight. 

Those being made a Dame this year include:

Susan Jean Hassall for services to education. She was Headmaster of Hamilton Boys’ High School (HBHS) from 1999 until 2024, is now Chancellor of the University of Waikato, and holds several other roles across the sector

Professor Elizabeth Rata also for services to education. She is a sociologist of education, specialising in ethnic politics and curriculum knowledge. Her career has spanned five decades, playing a role in the development of the English Curriculum for years 7-13. She also holds multiple top roles and has authored several academic publications. 

There are four being knighted, including:

Dr Andrew Baker for services to health. He was a foundation consultant anaesthetist at Starship Children’s Hospital, and in 2004 led a team of 26 clinicians to perform New Zealand’s first ‘Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment procedure, which is one of the highest risk operations in modern medicine. He also led the invention of a virtual reality bronchoscopy training simulator, now used in more than 40 countries and in medical universities such as Harvard, Oxford and Yale.

Peter Boshier for services to the State and the judiciary. He was Chief Ombudsman from 2015 to 2025, whose office investigates and handles complaints about the administrative conduct of public agencies, including those relating to Official Information Act requests. He has also been a Family Court Judge and Law Commissioner. 

Professor Emeritus James Chapman for services to literacy education. He is credited with ‘pioneering research’ on learning difficulties and educational psychology, as well as guiding the development of structured literacy in schools. He was also President of the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities from 2006 to 2009 and served on the Executive Board for more than 20 years.

David Ellis for services to the thoroughbred industry and philanthropy. He is Principal of Te Akau Stud and Racing Stables and was inducted into the NZ Racing Hall of Fame in 2025. He has also invested more than $150 million dollars at Karaka yearling sales, and has financially supported multiple clubs, charities and organisations. 

Some familiar names are among those receiving other honours, including recently retired Police Inspector Ross Grantham, former discus queen Beatrice Faumuinā, White Ferns cricketer Suzie Bates and former All Blacks player, coach and selector, Earl Kirton.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has acknowledged all those on the list this year: “The achievements and service of every New Zealander honoured … have helped make our country a stronger, better place.”

A full list of those receiving honours can be found here.