Seven New Knights; P.m. Heads Honours List (Press, 11 June 1977)

On 11 June 1977, the Queen's Birthday Honours List was announced by New Zealand's Governor-General, Sir Denis Blundell. Seven individuals were elevated to knighthood, including the Prime Minister, Mr Muldoon, who received the prestigious title of Companion of Honour (C.H.), a distinction limited to only 65 members. Other notable New Zealanders holding this honour are Sir Keith Holyoake, the Governor-General-designate, and former Prime Minister Sir John Marshall. Mr D. J. Carter, New Zealand's High Commissioner in London, was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (K.C.M.G.) for his public service. His career in Parliament spanned from 1957 to 1975, including a three-year term as Minister of Agriculture starting in 1969. Among the new knights, Dr Cecily Pickerill, a highly regarded plastic surgeon recognised for her work with cleft palates and hare lips in children, was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (D.B.E.). Sir Randal Elliott, President of the New Zealand Medical Association, and Sir Clifford Richmond, President of the Court of Appeal and a prior Knight Bachelor, were both named Knight Commanders of the Order of the British Empire. Emeritus Professor John Bell Condliffe received an honorary title as Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George for his contributions to economics and literature in New Zealand. Additionally, three individuals were recognised as Knights Bachelor: Sir Alan Low, who retired from his role as Governor of the Reserve Bank after a long tenure; Sir Kenneth Myers, a prominent businessman from Auckland; and Sir Jack Newman, associated with the travel industry. The honours also included recognition for 120 New Zealanders in the Civil Division, 25 in the Military Division, four in the police, and three firemen. Rear Admiral J. F. McKenzie was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (C.B.) and L. J. Castle, a former president of the New Zealand Law Society, also became a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (C.M.G.), along with Niue’s Premier, Mr Robert Rex. Several individuals received the title Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.). These included Mr Peter Luxford, a recent retiree from the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, and Commissioner Ernest Elliot of the Salvation Army, the first New Zealander to achieve such a rank. Mr David Williams, who served as official secretary to Governors-General since 1960, Dr Alan Tutton Johns, Director-General of Agriculture, and Mr Mark Wallace, a long-serving member of the Westland County Council, also received the C.B.E. Other recipients included community service recognitions such as the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) for Miss Patricia Bartlett and Dr Diana Mason for their social contributions. The Queen's Service Order (Q.S.O.) was awarded to Lower Hutt Mayor Mr John Kennedy-Good and former MP Mrs Esine Tombleson for their community work. Additionally, Mr Grenville Hughes, a retired jockey, and Mr Raymond Boyce, a theatrical stage designer, were among those recognised for their contributions, alongside individuals honoured with the M.B.E. and the Queen's Service Medal (Q.S.M.) for various services to the community and profession.

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