New Year Honours 2026 recognise service across Aotearoa, with Māori making up 14 percent of recipients

The New Year 2026 Honours List will recognise 177 people from across Aotearoa for service to their communities, the state, and the nation, according to figures released by the Cabinet Office.

The honours, announced on 31 December, span community leadership, arts and media, education, health, business, sport, science and public service. The list reflects a wide cross-section of Aotearoa society, with 45 percent of recipients women and 55 percent men.

Of particular note for Māori communities, 24 recipients – around 14 percent of the total list – identify as Māori, with iwi affiliations recorded where provided. A further 4 percent identify as Pacific Peoples, and 3 percent as Asian, highlighting some diversity within the honours system, though New Zealand European recipients continue to make up the majority at 76 percent.

The largest number of honours were awarded within the New Zealand Order of Merit, including 63 Members (MNZM) and 35 Officers (ONZM). A further 57 people received the King’s Service Medal, recognising hands-on service at community level. Only one Distinguished Service Decoration was awarded this year.

Community, voluntary and local services remain the strongest area of contribution, accounting for 78 recipients, followed by sport and recreation, arts and media, education, and health. Māori recipients are represented across multiple categories, including education, health, community leadership and cultural contribution.

Regionally, Auckland recorded the highest number of recipients with 43, followed by Wellington (26) and Canterbury (22). Māori recipients are spread across the country, including Northland, Waikato, the East Coast, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and urban centres.

The Honours Unit says anyone can nominate someone for a Royal Honour, and nominations are assessed on service, leadership, and impact rather than status or title.

While the honours system continues to evolve, Māori leaders have previously raised questions about equity, representation, and whether grassroots kaupapa Māori service is fully recognised alongside institutional and state service.

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