The New Year honours for 2026 are a disappointment for women, with 55% of the awards going to men. This is especially noticeable with the higher awards where 83% of CNZM were awarded to men and 60% of ONZM. See the full list at the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office's website https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/new-year-honours-list-2026. Here's the break-down for each honour by gender in the table below.

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

• CNZM
  • Mr Gregor John BARCLAY, of Auckland. For services to sports governance. He has promoted gender equity in world cricket across increasing female participation and competitions and greater representation of women in governance positions.
  • Professor Beverley-Anne LAWTON, ONZM, of Wellington, for services to women's health. Dr Lawton is founder and Director since 2008 of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, the National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa (the Centre).

• ONZM
  • Reverend Dr Patricia Ann ALLAN, of Christchurch, for services to survivors of abuse. Reverend Allan was one of the first women to be ordained in New Zealand.
  • Ms Julie Anne HART, of Hastings, for services to women and victims of family violence. Ms Hart is recognised for her leadership of the Family Violence Intervention and Prevention Charitable Trust, creating a unified family violence service across Hawke’s Bay.
  • Mrs Cecilia Charlotte Louise ROBINSON, of Auckland, for services to business and women. Mrs Robinson mentors the next generation of female leaders, actively supports women-led businesses and continually champions work-life balance and gender equity in the workplace and in healthcare.

• MNZM
  • Mrs Judene Louise EDGAR, JP, of Nelson, for services to governance, local government and the community. Mrs Edgar is a former Nelson Branch member.
  • Mrs Beverley Riverina FORRESTER, of Amberley, for services to the wool and fashion industries. Mrs Forrester is an active member of Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ), holding many positions including Glenmark Branch President.
  • Mrs Mokafetu (Matafetu) SMITH, of Auckland, for services to Pacific art. Mrs Smith was a member of PACIFICA, serving as President of the West Auckland branch in the mid-1990s.

• KSM
  • Mrs Emily Myra CALDWELL, of Te Aroha, for services to the community and music. Mrs Caldwell has served on national and local committees for the Women’s Methodist Fellowship, having been a member for 70 years.
  • Dr Tania Anne PINFOLD, of Wellington. For services to youth health. Dr Pinfold received the Rotorua Zonta Club’s Women’s Achievement Award – Community in 2007.

Information about nominating someone for an honour is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website. 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 (January-February 2026) issue 655, click on the tag below.