# Living New Zealand dames and knights

The following is a list of living New Zealanders who have been appointed dames or knights.

## Inclusion criteria

The list includes:
* Dames and knights of the New Zealand Order of Merit, including
** Dames or Knights Grand Companion (GNZM)
** Dames or Knights Companion (KNZM or DNZM)
* Dames and knights of an Order of Chivalry under the British Imperial Honours system, including
** Order of the British Empire
** Royal Victorian Order
** Order of St Michael and St George
** Order of the Bath
** Order of the Garter
* Knights Bachelor (no female counterpart)

### Principal and distinguished companions

The list does not include principal companions (PCNZM) and distinguished companions (DCNZM). These non-titular honours were announced by the fifth Labour Government of New Zealand in April 2000. While the appointments were identical in rank to dames or knights grand companion (GNZM), and dames or knights companion (KNZM or DNZM), respectively, they did not provide the appellation of "sir" or "dame". The change was made via royal warrant and came into effect before the 2000 Birthday Honours were announced on 13 June. With the change to the fifth National Government of New Zealand, John Key announced the reinstatement of the titles "sir" or "dame" in March 2009. This further change was made via Royal Warrant and came into effect before the 2009 Birthday Honours were announced on 1 June. There had been eighty-five appointees in the interim who were still alive (seventy eight DCNZM and seven PCNZM; four of the latter already enjoyed a title) and five who had died.
Of the 85 who were eligible to take on a title, 72 chose to do so in 2009. Of the thirteen who elected to remain as principal and distinguished companions, two already held a title (Ivor Richardson and Silvia Cartwright). The first person who had the title bestowed was Heather Begg, who received her damehood in April 2009 ahead of others because of failing health (she died a month later). The remaining seventy-one received their titles through the 2009 Special Honours. Vincent O'Sullivan accepted redesignation from Distinguished Companion to Knight Companion on 10 December 2021. Sam Neill accepted the same redesignation on 9 June 2022.

## List of living dames and knights

By default, the table below is sorted in chronological order of appointment as a knight or dame.
| Name | Honour | Date of appointment | Citation | Present age |
| Dame Naomi James DBE | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 30 December 1978 | For services to sailing | 76 |
| Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ONZ CH DBE AC | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 12 June 1982 | For services to opera | 81 |
| Sir George Chapman | Knight Bachelor | 12 June 1982 | For political and public services | 97 |
| Dame Joan Metge DBE | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 13 June 1987 | For services to anthropology | 95 |
| Sir Cliff Skeggs JP | Knight Bachelor | 13 June 1987 | Mayor of the City of Dunedin | 93 |
| Dame Ann Hercus DCMG | Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George | 31 December 1987 | For public services | 83 |
| Sir Kenneth Keith ONZ KBE KC PC | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 11 June 1988 | Professor of Law, Victoria University of Wellington | 87 |
| Dame Silvia Cartwright ONZ PCNZM DBE QSO DStJ | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 17 June 1989 | For services to women | 81 |
| Sir Bob Jones | Knight Bachelor | 17 June 1989 | For services to business management and the community | 85 |
| Sir Kerry Burke | Knight Bachelor | 30 December 1989 | Speaker of the House of Representatives | 82 |
| Sir Brian Elwood CBE JP | Knight Bachelor | 30 December 1989 | For services to local government | 91 |
| Sir Paul Beresford | Knight Bachelor | 30 December 1989 | For political and public service | 78 |
| Sir John Mace KBE CB | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 16 June 1990 | Chief of Defence Staff, New Zealand Defence Force | 92 |
| Sir Richard Hadlee MBE | Knight Bachelor | 16 June 1990 | For services to cricket | 73 |
| Sir Michael Fay | Knight Bachelor | 16 June 1990 | For services to merchant banking and yachting | 75 |
| Sir Roger Douglas | Knight Bachelor | 31 December 1990 | For public services | 87 |
| Sir Geoffrey Palmer KCMG AC KC PC | Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George | 31 December 1990 | Prime Minister of New Zealand 1989–90 | 82 |
| Dame Malvina Major ONZ GNZM DBE | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 15 June 1991 | For services to opera and the community | 82 |
| Dame Malvina Major ONZ GNZM DBE | Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to opera | 82 |
| Sir Barry Curtis JP | Knight Bachelor | 31 December 1991 | For services to local government and the community | 86 |
| Sir Donald McIntyre CBE | Knight Bachelor | 13 June 1992 | For services to opera | 90 |
| Dame Norma Restieaux DBE | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 13 June 1992 | For services to cardiology | 90 |
| Dame Dawn Lamb DBE JP | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 12 June 1993 | For services to education | 84 |
| Sir Tipene O'Regan ONZ | Knight Bachelor | 11 June 1994 | For services to the Māori people and the community | 86 |
| Sir Somerford Teagle KBE | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 11 June 1994 | Chief of Defence Force | 86 |
| Sir Dryden Spring | Knight Bachelor | 11 June 1994 | For services to the dairy industry | 85 |
| Dame Anne Salmond ONZ DBE | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 31 December 1994 | For services to historical research | 79 |
| Sir William Southgate | Knight Bachelor | 31 December 1994 | For services to music | 83 |
| Dame Gillian Weir DBE | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 30 December 1995 | For services to music | 84 |
| Dame Kate Harcourt DNZM JP | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 1996 | For services to the theatre | 97 |
| Dame Fiona Kidman DNZM OBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1997 | For services to literature | 84 |
| Sir Ron Carter ONZ KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1997 | For services to engineering and business administration | 89 |
| Dame Susan Devoy DNZM CBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 1998 | For services to sport and the community | 61 |
| Sir Selwyn Cushing KNZM CMG | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1998 | For services to business, sport and the arts | 88 |
| Sir Bob Charles ONZ KNZM CBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1998 | For services to golf | 88 |
| Sir Doug Graham KNZM PC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1998 | For services as a Minister of the Crown and Member of Parliament | 83 |
| Dame Sian Elias GNZM KC PC | Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 1999 | Chief Justice of New Zealand | 75 |
| Sir Bill Birch GNZM PC | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 1999 | For public services as a Member of Parliament and Minister of the Crown | 90 |
| Dame Margaret Bazley ONZ DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 1999 | For public services, lately as Chief Executive of the Department of Social Welfare | 87 |
| Sir Gil Simpson KNZM QSM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 1999 | For services to information technology, commerce and the community | 76 |
| Dame Judith Mayhew DBE | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 15 June 2002 | For services to the City of London | 76 |
| Sir Frederick Goodwin KBE JP | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 11 June 2004 | For services to the community | 84 |
| Sir Don McKinnon ONZ GCVO PC | Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order | 9 March 2009 | formerly Commonwealth Secretary-General | 86 |
| Sir Anand Satyanand GNZM QSO KStJ | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 27 March 2009 | Governor-General of New Zealand | 80 |
| Sir John Walker KNZM CBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2009 | For services to sport and the community | 73 |
| Dame Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi DNZM MBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2009 | For services to Mâori education | 95 |
| Dame Jenny Gibbs DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2009 | For services to the arts | 84 |
| Sir John Goulter KNZM JP | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business and the community | 83 |
| Sir John Hansen KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the judiciary | 79–80 |
| Sir John Henry KNZM KC PC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as a judge of the Court of Appeal | 92 |
| Sir Lloyd Geering ONZ GNZM CBE | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to religious studies | 107 |
| Dame Lois Muir DNZM OBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to sports administration and netball | 89 |
| Sir Peter Blanchard KNZM PC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the judiciary | 82 |
| Sir Peter Gluckman ONZ KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to medicine | 76 |
| Sir Ralph Norris KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business | 75–76 |
| Sir Sidney Moko Mead KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to education and the Māori people | 98 |
| Sir Stephen Tindall GNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business and the community | 73 |
| Sir Stephen Tindall GNZM | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to business, the community, and the environment | 73 |
| Dame Sukhi Turner DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to local government | 72 |
| Dame Linda Holloway DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to medicine | 84 |
| Sir Alan Frampton KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to agriculture | 95 |
| Sir John Wells KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business and sport | 81 |
| Sir Ken Stevens KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to exporting | 80–81 |
| Dame Deirdre Milne DNZM QSO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to women and the community | 85 |
| Dame Margaret Millard DNZM JP | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the rural community | 85–86 |
| Dame Pat Harrison DNZM QSO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to education and the community | 92 |
| Sir Henry van der Heyden KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to agriculture | 67 |
| Sir Noel Robinson KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business and the community | 81 |
| Sir David Mauger KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to paediatrics | |
| Sir Alan Mark KNZM CBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to conservation | 92 |
| Sir Peter Maire KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to business | 73–74 |
| Sir Patrick Mahony KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the Family Court | |
| Sir George Fistonich KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the wine industry | 84–85 |
| Dame Jenny Shipley DNZM PC | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as a Member of Parliament | 73 |
| Sir Russell Coutts KNZM CBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to yachting, especially the 2000 America's Cup challenge | 63 |
| Dame Lynley Dodd DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to children's literature and book illustration | 83–84 |
| Sir Andrew Tipping KNZM PC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as a judge of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of New Zealand | 82 |
| Sir Bruce Ferguson KNZM OBE AFC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the New Zealand Defence Force, lately as Chief of Defence Force | 75 |
| Dame Claudia Orange DNZM OBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to historical research | 86 |
| Sir David Carruthers KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the District Court | 83–84 |
| Sir David Skegg KNZM OBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to medicine | 77 |
| Sir Doug Kidd KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as Speaker of the House of Representatives, 1996–99 | 83 |
| Sir Eddie Durie KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the Māori Land Court, Waitangi Tribunal and High Court of New Zealand | 85 |
| Sir Ted Thomas KNZM KC PC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as a judge of the Court of Appeal | 90–91 |
| Dame Gillian Whitehead DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to music | 83 |
| Dame Margaret Sparrow DNZM MBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to medicine and the community | 89 |
| Dame Margaret Clark DNZM CMG JP | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to education | 84 |
| Dame Robin White DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to painting and printmaking | 78 |
| Sir David Gascoigne KNZM CBE QSO CStJ | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to the arts and business | 85 |
| Sir Tumu Te Heuheu KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services to conservation | 81–82 |
| Sir William Young KNZM KC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 August 2009 | For services as president of the Court of Appeal of New Zealand | 72 |
| Sir Mason Durie ONZ KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2009 | For services to Māori health, in particular public health services | 86 |
| Sir Peter Jackson ONZ KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2009 | For services to film | 63 |
| Dame Lesley Max DNZM MBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2009 | For services to children | 79 |
| Sir Bruce Robertson KNZM KC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2009 | For services as a judge of the High Court of New Zealand and the Court of Appeal of New Zealand | 81 |
| Sir Hugh Williams KNZM KC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2010 | For services as a judge | 85 |
| Sir Peter Leitch KNZM QSM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2010 | For services to business and philanthropy | 80 |
| Sir Richard Taylor KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2010 | For services to film | 60 |
| Sir Michael Hill KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services to business and the arts | 86 |
| Sir Ray Avery GNZM | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services to philanthropy | 77–78 |
| Sir William Gallagher KNZM MBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services to business | 84 |
| Sir Tamati Reedy KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services to education | 88 |
| Dame Alison Holst DNZM CBE QSM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services to the food industry | 86–87 |
| Sir David Baragwanath KNZM KC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2010 | For services as a judge of the Court of Appeal | 84 |
| Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM QSO KStJ | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 20 May 2011 | Governor-General Designate | 70 |
| Sir Graeme Harrison KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2011 | For services to business | 76 |
| Sir Pat Higgins KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2011 | For services to philanthropy and the community | 86–87 |
| Dame Rosanne Meo DNZM OBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2011 | For services to business | 84–85 |
| Sir Graham Henry KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2011 | For services to rugby | 78 |
| Dame Suzie Moncrieff DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2011 | For services to the arts | 75–76 |
| Sir Maarten Wevers KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2012 | For services to the State | 72 |
| Sir Roderick Deane KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2012 | services to business and the community | 83 |
| Dame Pieter Stewart DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2012 | For services to fashion and the community | 79 |
| Sir John Kirwan KNZM MBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2012 | For services to mental health and rugby | 60 |
| Dame Beverley Wakem DNZM CBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2012 | For services to the State | 81 |
| Dame Judith Potter DNZM CBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to the judiciary | 82 |
| Sir Mark O'Regan KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to the judiciary | 71 |
| Sir Mark Solomon KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to Māori and business | 70–71 |
| Sir Owen Glenn KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to philanthropy | 85 |
| Sir Mark Todd KNZM CBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to equestrian sport | 69 |
| Sir Bob Harvey KNZM QSO | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to local-body affairs and the community | 82 |
| Sir Julian Smith KNZM OBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to business | 81 |
| Dame Wendy Pye DNZM MBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2012 | For services to business and education | 81–82 |
| Sir Lockwood Smith KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2013 | For services as a member of Parliament and as speaker of the House of Representatives | 76 |
| Sir John Davies KNZM QSO | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2013 | For services to business and tourism | 83 |
| Sir Gordon Tietjens KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2013 | For services to rugby | 69 |
| Sir Malcolm Grant CBE | Knight Bachelor | 15 June 2013 | For services to higher education | 77 |
| Dame Trelise Cooper DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2013 | For services to fashion and the community | 67–68 |
| Dame Alison Paterson DNZM QSO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2013 | For services to business | 89 |
| Sir Peter Vela KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2013 | For services to the Thoroughbred industry | 75–76 |
| Sir Bob Parker KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2013 | For services to local-body affairs and the community | 72 |
| Sir David Moxon KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2013 | For services to the Anglican Church | 73 |
| Sir John Hood KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to tertiary education | 73 |
| Dame Susan Glazebrook DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to the judiciary | 69 |
| Sir Graeme Avery KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to business and sport | 83 |
| Sir Robert Stewart KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to manufacturing and the community | 84–85 |
| Sir Richard Hayes KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to Search and Rescue and the community | 72–73 |
| Dame Lowell Goddard DNZM KC | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to the law | 76 |
| Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM CVO QSO DStJ | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 2 June 2014 | For services to the arts and business | 70 |
| Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM CVO QSO DStJ | Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 27 June 2016 | Governor-General Designate | 70 |
| Sir Paul Collins KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to sports governance | 72 |
| Sir Graham Panckhurst KNZM KC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to the judiciary | 79–80 |
| Sir Murray Brennan GNZM | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to medicine | 84 |
| Dame Adrienne Stewart DNZM QSM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to the arts and business | 88–89 |
| Sir Patrick Lynch KNZM QSO | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to education | 82 |
| Sir Neville Jordan KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2014 | For services to business, science and the community | 81 |
| Sir Jim McLay KNZM QSO | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services to business and the State | 80 |
| Sir Peter Talley KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services to business and philanthropy | |
| Sir Pita Sharples KNZM CBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services as a Member of Parliament and to Māori | 83 |
| Dame Diane Robertson DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services to the community | 71 |
| Dame Bronwen Holdsworth DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services to business and the arts | 81 |
| Dame Therese Walsh DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2015 | For services to sports administration | 52–53 |
| Dame Paula Rebstock DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2015 | For services to the State | 64 |
| Sir Terence Arnold KNZM KC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2015 | For services to the judiciary | 77–78 |
| Dame Jane Campion DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2015 | For services to film | 70 |
| Sir David Fagan KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2015 | For services to shearing | 63–64 |
| Sir Chris Mace KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to science and education | 80–81 |
| Dame Karen Sewell DNZM QSO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to education | 79–80 |
| Sir Matiu Te Rei KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to Māori | 76–77 |
| Sir Ron Young KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to the judiciary | 72–73 |
| Dame Ellen France DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to the judiciary | 68–69 |
| Sir Michael Friedlander KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2016 | For services to philanthropy | 88–89 |
| Dame Valerie Adams DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to athletics | 40 |
| Sir Brian Roche KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to the State and business | 68–69 |
| Sir David Williams KNZM KC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to international law and international arbitration | 83 |
| Dame Fran Wilde DNZM QSO JP | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to the State and the community | 76 |
| Sir Richard Faull KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to medical research | 79 |
| Dame Georgina Kingi DNZM QSO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2016 | For services to Māori and education | |
| Dame Julie Christie DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to governance and the television industry | 62–63 |
| Dame Peggy Koopman-Boyden DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to seniors | 81 |
| Sir Tīmoti Kāretu KNZM QSO | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to the Māori language | 87–88 |
| Sir Michael Jones KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to the Pacific community and youth | 59 |
| Sir John Key GNZM AC | Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to the State | 63 |
| Sir Graeme Dingle KNZM MBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2017 | For services to youth | 79 |
| Sir Douglas White KNZM KC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to the judiciary | 79 |
| Sir John Clarke KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to Māori and heritage preservation | 82 |
| Sir Bryan Williams KNZM MBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to rugby | 74 |
| Dame Annette King DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services as a Member of Parliament | 77 |
| Dame Georgina te Heuheu DNZM QSO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to the State and Māori | 81–82 |
| Dame Denise L'Estrange-Corbet DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to fashion and the community | 64–65 |
| Dame Naida Glavish DNZM JP | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2017 | For services to Māori and the community | 78–79 |
| Sir John Rowles KNZM OBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to entertainment | 77 |
| Dame Winnie Laban DNZM QSO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to education and the Pacific community | 69 |
| Sir Bill English KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to the State | 63 |
| Dame Catherine Healy DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to the rights of sex workers | 69–70 |
| Dame Jools Topp DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to entertainment | 66 |
| Dame Lynda Topp DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to entertainment | 66 |
| Dame Charmian O'Connor DNZM CBE JP | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 June 2018 | For services to education and chemistry | 87 |
| Sir Tom Marsters KBE | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 9 June 2018 | For services to the public and to the community | 79 |
| Sir Tim Shadbolt KNZM JP | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to local government and the community | 78 |
| Dame Diana Crossan DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to the State | 75–76 |
| Sir Kim Workman KNZM QSO | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to prisoner welfare and the justice sector | 84–85 |
| Sir Rob McLeod KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to business and Māori | 67–68 |
| Dame Kerry Prendergast DNZM JP | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to governance and the community | 71 |
| Dame Gaylene Preston DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to film | 77 |
| Dame Margaret Brimble DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2018 | For services to science | 63 |
| Dame Helen Winkelmann GNZM | Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 4 March 2019 | Chief Justice Designate | 62–63 |
| Sir Roger Hall KNZM QSO | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to theatre | 86 |
| Dame Sue Bagshaw DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to youth health | 75 |
| Sir Paul Adams KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to philanthropy and the community | 75–76 |
| Dame Areta Koopu DNZM CBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to Māori and the community | 83 |
| Dame Fran Walsh DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to film | 66 |
| Sir Graham Lowe KNZM QSM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2019 | For services to youth and education | 78 |
| Dame Noeline Taurua DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2019 | For services to netball | 56 |
| Sir Joe Williams KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2019 | For services to the judiciary | 63–64 |
| Dame Anna Crighton DNZM QSO JP | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2019 | For services to heritage preservation and governance | 81 |
| Dame Marilyn Waring DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2019 | For services to women and economics | 72 |
| Sir Steve Hansen KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2019 | For services to rugby | 65 |
| Sir Derek Lardelli KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2020 | For services to Māori art | 63–64 |
| Dame Karen Poutasi DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2020 | For services to education and the State | 75 |
| Dame Jane Harding DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 1 June 2020 | For services to neonatology and perinatology | 69–70 |
| Dame Juliet Gerrard DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services to science | 57–58 |
| Dame Cindy Kiro GNZM QSO DStJ | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services to child wellbeing and education | 66–67 |
| Dame Cindy Kiro GNZM QSO DStJ | Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 9 August 2021 | Governor-General Designate | 66–67 |
| Sir David Carter KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services as a Member of Parliament and as Speaker of the House of Representatives | 72 |
| Sir Dave Dobbyn KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services to music | 68 |
| Sir Ian Taylor KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services to broadcasting, business and the community | 74–75 |
| Sir Pou Temara KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2020 | For services to Māori and education | 76–77 |
| Dame Carolyn Burns DNZM CBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to ecological research | 83 |
| Dame Judy Kilpatrick DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to nursing education | 74–75 |
| Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to Māori, music and television | 60–61 |
| Dame Ruia Morrison DNZM MBE | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to tennis | 88 |
| Sir Michael Daniell KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to business, healthcare and governance | 67–68 |
| Sir Bill Denny KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to medical research | 81 |
| Sir Wayne Shelford KNZM MBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to rugby and the community | 67 |
| Sir Grahame Sydney KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 7 June 2021 | For services to art | 76–77 |
| Dame Lisa Carrington DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2021 | For services to canoe racing | 35 |
| Dame Sophie Pascoe DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2021 | For services to swimming | 32 |
| Dame Marie Shroff DNZM CVO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2021 | For services to the State and the community | 80–81 |
| Sir Chris Farrelly KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2021 | For services to health and the community | 72–73 |
| Sir Jim Mann KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2021 | For services to health | 80 |
| Dame Ruth Aitken DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2022 | For services to netball | 68 |
| Dame Carolyn Henwood DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2022 | For services to the State, youth and the arts | 78 |
| Dame Judy McGregor DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2022 | For services to human rights and health | 76–77 |
| Sir Hugh Rennie KNZM CBE KC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2022 | For services to governance, the law, business and the community | 79 |
| Sir Collin Tukuitonga KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 6 June 2022 | For services to Pacific and public health | 66–67 |
| Sir Sam Neill KNZM OBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 9 June 2022 | For services to acting | 77 |
| Dame Miranda Harcourt DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to the screen industry and theatre | 62–63 |
| Dame Farah Palmer DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to sport, particularly rugby | 52 |
| Dame Jan Wright DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to the state and the environment | |
| Sir Ashley Bloomfield KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to public health | 58–59 |
| Sir Mark Dunajtschik KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to philanthropy | 89–90 |
| Sir Haare Williams KNZM JP | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2022 | For services to Māori, literature and education | 90–91 |
| Dame Julie Maxton DBE | Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire | 31 December 2022 | For services to science and to the law | 69 |
| Dame Jacinda Ardern GNZM | Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to the State | 44 |
| Dame Jo Brosnahan DNZM QSO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to governance and business | |
| Dame Teuila Percival DNZM QSO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to health and the Pacific community | |
| Dame Helene Quilter DNZM QSO | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to the public service and the arts | |
| Sir Stephen Kós KNZM KC | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to the judiciary and legal education | 66 |
| Sir Selwyn Parata KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to Māori | 67–68 |
| Sir Wayne Smith KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 5 June 2023 | For services to rugby | 67 |
| Sir Crawford Falconer KCMG | Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George | 29 December 2023 | For services to international trade | 70–71 |
| Dame Sarai Bareman DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2023 | For services to football governance | 43–44 |
| Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan DNZM JP | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2023 | For services to Māori and business | |
| Sir Scott Macfarlane KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2023 | For services to health | |
| Sir Trevor Mallard KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2023 | For services as a member of Parliament and as Speaker of the House of Representatives | 70 |
| Sir Ian Mune KNZM OBE | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 30 December 2023 | For services to film, television and theatre | 83–84 |
| Dame Theresa Gattung DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2024 | For services to women, governance and philanthropy | 62–63 |
| Dame Joan Withers DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2024 | For services to business, governance and women | 71–72 |
| Sir Peter Beck KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2024 | For services to the aerospace industry, business and education | 47–48 |
| Sir Peter Hunter KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 3 June 2024 | For services to medical science | 76 |
| Dame Julie Chapman DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to children and the community | 52–53 |
| Dame Ingrid Collins DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to Māori, business and health governance | 79–80 |
| Dame Lydia Ko DNZM | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to golf | 27 |
| Sir John Gallagher KNZM KStJ | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to business, education, philanthropy and the community | 85–86 |
| Sir Ted Manson KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to philanthropy, the community and business | 70 |
| Sir Peter Skelton KNZM | Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit | 31 December 2024 | For services to environmental law | 85 |