New Zealand restores Knights and Dames to the top of its honours system
8th March 2009
John Key, the Centre-Right prime minister who took office last November, announced that orders of chivalry would once again be awarded to recognise services to New Zealand.
Knighthoods were abolished by Helen Clark, the former prime minister, who was accused by opponents of pursuing a secret agenda of “republicanism by stealth.”
Mr Key said the Queen had assented and knighthoods would return in the Birthday Honours List in June. Eighty-five people who had been honoured since 2000 would be offered the opportunity to take up titles.
Sometimes the old ways are best.