By Jesse Peach
The country's famous filed past the Governor General in Wellington's Old Saint Paul's church today to be tapped on the shoulder and officially announced the Queen's knights and dames.
Many of the greats Kiwis honoured were humble about taking on their new title.
Rugby legend Colin Meads insisted he still be called just plain “Colin”
Of the 79 honourees, 66 chose to be re-designated as a knight or dame.
The list included people from various discipline and jobs, from an Olympic great, to a former Prime Minister - even a man accused of betraying his country.
America’s Cup skipper Sir Russell Coutts says he does one day plan to return.
“My work has taken me overseas and I’m still a Kiwi and still plan on coming back here some day,” he says.
Opera diva Malvina Major was the first dame to receive the new warrant.
Or rather the old warrant, Titular honours were abolished by the Labour government nine years ago but John Key's National Government has brought them back.
Children’s author Lynley Dodd of Hairy Maclary fame accepted the honour, but told 3 News it was not an easy decision.
“Dame Lynley, oh heavens. What does it feel like when you hear that? Very strange indeed,” she says.
“I won't be reminding people of it. And certainly not the children.”
Sir Peter Snell, who still holds the New Zealand record for the 800 metres, accepted the title with gentle pressure from his family.
“They said ‘oh go for it, go for it we love that idea’ - and I’m getting used to it as well,” he says.
It seemed not everyone was as cheerful about the title.
Writer Witi Ihimaera was shocked to find so many people said yes to become a sir or a dame, but admits he had to think long and hard about it before he declined.
There are no official perks for those who opted to accept the title of sir or dame.
Even the officials told 3 News they were surprised by the number who wanted to be re-honoured - only 13 turned it down.
source: newshub archive
