188 people received honours in the King’s Birthday list. Again, as with the 2024 King's Birthday list, men received more awards than women: this year, 53% (100) compared with 47% (88). Women received more awards than men in two categories: Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) and King's Service Medal (KSM). There were more awards for arts related activities 17% (34) than sports related ones 13% (25). See the full list at https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/kings-birthday-honours-list-2025.

Congratulations to all the winners, especially the following who were acknowledged for their contribution to women:

• ONZM - Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit 
  • Ms Sophie Frances Monique DEVINE, of Christchurch, for services to cricket. Sophie is the daughter of Christchurch Branch member Penny Devine.
  • Dr Celia Jane Devenish GIDDINGS, of Fairlie, for services to women's health and education. Dr Devenish has contributed to obstetrics and gynaecology for more than 40 years as a doctor, educator, and a member of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists.
  • Mrs Gillian Christine NAYLOR, of Alexandra, for services to rural communities, particularly women. Mrs Naylor was National President of Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) from 2020 to 2024, and was awarded Life Membership in 2024.
    
    
• MNZM - Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit
  • Ms Suzanne Michelle MCFADDEN, of Auckland. For services to sports journalism and women. Ms McFadden is an award-winning journalist who has contributed to the advancement of media coverage of women’s sport.
  • Mrs Victoria Mary Mee, of Auckland. For services to women and business. Mrs Mee has been involved with Business and Professional Women New Zealand (BPWNZ) since 2009, initially through the Franklin branch. She is a Past President of BPWNZ (2014 to 2017) and has worked on policy development in conjunction with other countries to present to the United Nations General Assembly. Vicky Mee serves on the NCWNZ Economic Independence Action Hub.
  • Ms Annie Burma Teina Tangata Esita SCOON, of Palmerston North, for services to softball and the Pacific community. Ms Scoon is a former member of Manawatū-Whanganui Women's PACIFICA Inc.
    
    
• KSM - King's Service Medal
  • Mrs Tina May BARRETT, JP, of Rotorua, for services to the community. Mrs Barrett has served her community for 25 years through the Māori Women’s Welfare League, her local church and as a Justice of the Peace. She was appointed a Life Member of MWWL in 2014.
  • Mrs Lily COLEMAN, of Kaikohe, for services to the community and sport. Mrs Coleman has been involved with the Kaikohe Rural Women’s Division from 1966 to 2023, including as President in 1969/1970.
  • Mrs Luen Nanette HOANI, of Auckland, for services to Māori language education. Mrs Hoani was involved with North Shore Māori Women’s Welfare League for many years until its closure.
  • Mrs Annie Elizabeth MCCRACKEN, JP, of Invercargill, for services to the community. Mrs McCracken has had a varied involvement with community organisations, outdoor recreation and local government in Southland, including as a very active member of the NCWNZ Southland Branch.
  • Mrs Berry Jane RANGI, of Napier, for services to the community, particularly Pacific peoples. Mrs Rangi co-founded Tiare Ahuriri in 2008, the Napier branch of PACIFICA Inc., and was awarded a PACIFICA Inc. Service Medal for her contributions to the organisation.

Information about nominating someone for an honour is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website at https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/our-programmes/new-zealand-royal-honours/make-nomination. Nomination forms are accepted throughout the year, but the processing and consideration of nominations is likely to take at least six months prior to the announcement of an honours list at King's Birthday or New Year.

To read more articles from The Circular (May-June 2025) issue 652, click on the tag below.