Keep Honours Independent

New Zealand’s Honours system should remain independent the Green Party said today.

“We should celebrate outstanding New Zealanders as New Zealanders rather than as part of an outgrown relationship with the British Empire,” said Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.

The National-led Government announced today that the titles of Knight and Dame Grand Companion (GNZM) and Knight and Dame Companion (KNZM/DNZM) were returning to the New Zealand Honours system.

“We’re surprised at the priority this topic has received when the country faces an economic and environmental crisis,” Ms Fitzsimons added.

New Zealand’s honours system was last revised in 1996. At that time the New Zealand Order of Merit was established and various British Orders were discontinued.