| From Stuff.com |
| Writer, bishop get top honours 07 June 2004 By MARTIN KAY and MICHELLE QUIRKE The first woman in the world to lead an Anglican diocese, Bishop Penny Jamieson, and one of New Zealand's most notable writers, Witi Ihimaera, head the Queen's Birthday Honours list announced today. Bishop Jamieson, who was made bishop of Dunedin in 1989, and Ihimaera, whose 1987 novel The Whale Rider was made into an international smash-hit film, have been made Distinguished Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit. They are joined by Court of Appeal president Justice Noel Anderson, aviation industry pioneer Oswald James and former Silver Ferns coach Lois Muir. The award is the third-highest in the New Zealand honours system. The highest, the Order of New Zealand and Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, were not awarded in this list. The highest honour is restricted to 20 living people at any one time. There are now 19. Ihimaera, an associate professor at Auckland University but a "Wellingtonian at heart", received the Queen's Service Medal in the 1980s. The latest honour recognises the first Maori published novelist's contribution to literature through work such as The Whale Rider, Pounamu Pounamu, Tangi, Whanau, The New Net Goes Fishing and The Matriarch. "I'm a boy from Waituhi . . . It's an incredible feeling that you can be anyone and come from anywhere in New Zealand and through hard work, inspirational teachers and wonderful leaders you will find yourself standing, like Hillary, on the summit so that others will know where it is. "I believe in strong leadership. This is an award that goes to all those sorts of people who step up." In a year when New Zealand had lost two great writers, Janet Frame and Michael King, Ihimaera said the honour challenged him to ensure New Zealand continued to benefit from Maori and Pakeha literature. He kept the honour secret from his father and daughters till now. Not one for the limelight, he made a diary note to "head for the hills" today but now plans to celebrate by having lunch with family and friends, followed by a film ? The Day After Tomorrow. Bishop Jamieson was ordained into the Anglican priesthood in 1985, and was the first woman diocese bishop in the world. She found the honour "quite bewildering". "All I have been doing is my job. I followed my call and got on with it." The honour was recognition of the good work the Christian church did. Bishop Jamieson is stepping down to return to Wellington after 14 years in the job. Though she believed her position had been an encouragement to other women, she was disappointed the church had not elected another woman bishop during that time, she said. Mrs Muir, made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1983, said her latest honour was shared by family and many other people who had supported her over the years. "I think the special moments for me are seeing women I've coached in New Zealand teams over those years still in the game, enjoying it, coaching and giving something back to the sport." Oscar winners, a Maori pop singer and a television celebrity were among honours recipients who came from a broad range of fields, including the arts, science, business and education. Four film-makers involved with the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy were named. Auckland costume designer Ngila Dickson becomes an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit and Wellington screenwriter Philippa Boyens, Wellington film editor James Selkirk and Auckland production designer Grant Major are Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit. All received Oscars this year for their work on The Return of the King. Those made Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit include acting Child, Youth and Family chief executive and former Land Information head Russell Ballard (for public services), broadcaster Sharon Crosbie (services to broadcasting and the community) and Anglican Bishop Richard Randerson, dean of Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral (services to the community). Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit include Nelson ceramic artist Christine Boswijk, Wellington theatre identity Richard Campion and Auckland political scientist Barry Gustafson. Moana Maniapoto, of Moana and the Moahunters fame, and Xena star Lucy Lawless are made Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit. http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,2932393a11115,00.html |
