Health concerns have prompted Sir Paul Holmes' family to request an urgent knighthood ceremony.
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae has agreed to the request, reports the New Zealand Herald, and will perform the ceremony on January 16 at Sir Paul's home.
The broadcaster was named a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in this year's New Year Honours.
Sir Paul was a late addition to the list, not finding out he would be knighted until a receiving a call from the Prime Minister on Christmas Day.
The veteran broadcaster retired last year due to continued ill health. He told 3 News in December he was now ready to relax.
"That’s all I want to do. I don’t want to have to be media, I don’t want to have to do talking, I don’t want to talk into a microphone. I’m perfectly happy just to be Paul Holmes, living at home here in the country residence."
Also recognised in the honours were philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn and Olympic medallist Sir Mark Todd, who will have to wait until later in the year for their ceremonies.
3 News
source: newshub archive
