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Rod Dixon was recognised for his services to athletics
Three NZ Team athletes as well as a number of sports administrators have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours list.
The three athletes recognised as Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) were:
Rod Dixon for services to athletics
Lorraine Moller MBE for services to athletics
Valerie Smith for services to outdoor bowls.
Additionally, the following sports administrators were recognised for their contributions to their various sports over many years.
Greg Barclay was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to sports governance. While Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) were given to Judith Hamilton for services to rowing and Shirley Hooper for services to netball and artistic swimming.
Kevin Burgess and Eroni Clarke were made Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to governance, the community & sport and services to the Pacific community & rugby respectively.
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO, Nicki Nicol congratulated the athletes and administrators receiving honours.
“Rod, Lorraine and Val are well deserving of their honours in this year’s list; their performances on the world stage and their ongoing service reflect what the fern stands for. We are proud to see NZ Team athletes recognised as Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit and we thank the clubs, coaches and communities that helped them succeed.”
“Congratulations to Greg Barclay on his CNZM, to Judith Hamilton and Shirley Hooper on their ONZM and to Kevin Burgess and Eroni Clarke on their MNZM. Their governance and service to sport has helped create environments for athletes to thrive and their respective sports have benefitted from their strong leadership,” Nicol said.