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Miss Beatrice Roini Liua Faumuinā, CNZM
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has acknowledged a number of New Zealanders recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for their contribution to sport, governance and community leadership.
Among those recognised are Olympians, administrators, coaches and volunteers whose impact spans high performance sport through to grassroots development and governance.
NZOC CEO, Nicki Nicol said the honours recognise the depth of contribution across New Zealand sport.
“From world-class athletes to those shaping the system through governance, coaching and community leadership, each recipient has played their part in building a stronger sporting environment for current and future athletes,” said Nicol.
Miss Beatrice Roini Liua Faumuinā, CNZM, was recognised for services to sport and governance.
Faumuinā is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished athletes, representing the country at four Olympic Games, five Commonwealth Games and six World Athletics Championships. Since retiring from competition, she has built an extensive governance and leadership portfolio across sport, business and international relations.
She has served as a Director of Sport New Zealand, contributing to the development of wellbeing initiatives to support athlete mental health, and has held roles with the New Zealand Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission and international athletics governance bodies. Her governance experience extends across a range of organisations, including the Spark Foundation and Women in Sport Aotearoa.
Alongside her governance work, Faumuinā has contributed to New Zealand’s international engagement, serving as New Zealand Trade Commissioner and Consul General in New York. Her recognition reflects both her elite sporting career and her sustained contribution to strengthening sport systems and leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Miss Suzie Bates (Ngāi Tahu), ONZM, was recognised for services to cricket and basketball.
Bates is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s best cricketers and has had the honour of representing the country in two of her chosen sports, cricket and basketball.
Bates represented New Zealand in basketball at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. She has also contributed to the sport as a coach and continues to support athlete development through leadership initiatives and her involvement in the NZOC Schools Outreach Ambassador Programme.
In 2022, Bates was a member of the New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team who won a bronze medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Her honour reflects a dual-sport international career alongside a sustained contribution to leadership and athlete development.
Mr Peter Thompson CNZM, received his honour for services to philanthropy and rugby.
Thompson sits on the Board Appointments Panel for the NZOC and his company, Barfoot & Thompson, has been a valued partner of the NZOC since 2010, providing long-standing support for New Zealand Team athletes. Alongside this, Peter and Fiona Thompson have been personal donors to the New Zealand Olympic Foundation, supporting the New Zealand Olympic whānau through philanthropic contributions over a number of years.
Nicol acknowledged Thompson’s contribution over a sustained period.
“Peter Thompson has been a valued supporter of the New Zealand Team for many years. Through both Barfoot & Thompson’s partnership and the philanthropic support he and Fiona have provided, their contribution has made a meaningful impact across the New Zealand Olympic whānau. His support of sport in this country, at multiple levels, speaks to Peter’s belief in the power of sport and he is thoroughly deserving of this recognition,” said Nicol.
Other recipients recognised for their contribution to sport include:
Mrs Sharon Williamson, ONZM, for services to hockey, recognising more than 30 years of leadership across coaching, governance and national administration, including her role as Chair of Hockey New Zealand and her contribution to major infrastructure development.
Mrs Barbara Beable, MNZM, and Dr Michael Beable, MNZM, for services to athletics, acknowledging decades of contribution as athletes, coaches and educators, and their role in developing athletes who have gone on to represent New Zealand internationally.
Ms Vicky Lassen, MNZM, for services to netball and Life Saving, reflecting more than 40 years of voluntary service across coaching, administration and programme development at school and regional level.
Ms Shirley Mackay, MNZM, for services to swimming, recognising long-standing governance and leadership in the Auckland region and her contribution to the development of the sport.
Mr Trevor Spittle, MNZM, for services to athletics, acknowledging a significant international officiating career spanning Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships, alongside his contribution to the development of technical officials.
Mr Keith Bone, KSM, for services to swimming, reflecting more than 30 years of voluntary service as an official, administrator and contributor to regional aquatic sport development.
Mr Brent Miller, KSM, for services to hockey, recognising a lifetime of involvement in club and regional hockey, including governance, sponsorship and development of facilities.
Mrs Marlene Morrison, KSM, for services to swimming administration, acknowledging more than 40 years of volunteer service supporting competitions, governance and athlete opportunities.
Honours recipients
Miss Beatrice Roini Liua Faumuinā - CNZM - services to sport and governance
Mr Peter Thompson - CNZM - services to philanthropy and rugby
Miss Suzie Bates - ONZM - services to cricket and basketball
Mrs Sharon Williamson - ONZM - services to hockey
Mrs Barbara Beable - MNZM - services to athletics
Dr Michael Beable - MNZM - services to athletics
Ms Vicky Lassen - MNZM - services to netball and Life Saving
Ms Shirley Mackay - MNZM - services to swimming
Mr Trevor Spittle - MNZM - services to athletics
Mr Keith Bone - KSM - services to swimming
Mr Brent Miller - KSM - services to hockey
Mrs Marlene Morrison - KSM - services to swimming administration