New Year Honours Celebrate Sporting Legends and Community Champions

New Zealand has announced its 2024 New Year Honours, recognising outstanding contributions in sports and community service. Among the honourees is Sir Scott Dixon, a prominent figure in IndyCar racing, who has been knighted for his exceptional achievements in motorsport. Dixon, who has secured six IndyCar Championships and four Daytona victories with Wayne Taylor Racing, holds the record for the most wins by an active IndyCar driver, with 59 victories and 142 career podiums. His longstanding association with Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, since 2001, marks the longest tenure for any driver in the team’s history. Off the track, Dixon is an advocate for various charities, including CanTeen and Teen Cancer America.

Another notable figure honoured is Lorraine Moller, who has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her contributions to athletics. Moller represented New Zealand in track and marathon events from 1973 to 1996. She famously competed in the inaugural women’s marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, following years of advocacy for women’s rights in sports. Her accolades include 16 international marathon victories and an Olympic bronze medal. Moller continues to promote women’s equity in sports and is involved in philanthropic efforts aimed at improving education and health in Cambodia.

Also recognised is Val Smith, who has been awarded an ONZM for her extraordinary career in lawn bowls. Smith, who retired from international competition in early 2025, is New Zealand’s most capped outdoor bowls player, with 667 international matches under her belt. She has won two World Championship titles and has represented New Zealand in five Commonwealth Games, earning one silver and three bronze medals. Beyond her competitive achievements, Smith has contributed to the sport’s development as an administrator and coach.

In cricket, Martin Guptill, New Zealand’s all-time highest run-scorer in T20 International matches, receives a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) award. Guptill was a key player for the Black Caps until 2022, and he remains the only New Zealander to score a double-century in One Day Internationals, with a record score of 237 not out during a World Cup match.

The honours extend beyond athletes to include significant contributors to sports administration. Greg Barclay, who served as Independent Chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2020 to 2024, has been awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM). His leadership has been influential in shaping the future of cricket in New Zealand and globally.

Another CNZM recipient, Tony Quinn, has made a substantial impact on the New Zealand motorsport landscape. Quinn founded the Tony Quinn Foundation and Hampton Downs New Zealand Racing Academy in 2021, focusing on nurturing emerging talent, including Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson.

In recognition of his longstanding contribution to motorsport, Brian Davies has been appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). His dedication spans over six decades, highlighting his commitment to the sport.

Four-time Olympian Rod Dixon has also received an ONZM for his contributions to athletics, particularly his advocacy for physical activity and health among young people. Since 2005, Dixon has served as a patron and inclusion ambassador for Special Olympics, founding the Kids Marathon Foundation, which has positively impacted over 1.5 million students worldwide.

The honours list further acknowledges Judith Hamilton, who transitioned from a successful rowing career to coaching, becoming the first female high-performance director at Rowing New Zealand in 2018. Her coaching has been integral to New Zealand’s rowing successes over the past two decades.

Contributions to netball and artistic swimming are recognised through the honouring of Shirley Hooper, who has dedicated over 50 years to netball and is currently the vice-president of World Netball.

In basketball, Iain Potter, who was chief executive of Basketball New Zealand from 2012 to 2021, has been awarded an ONZM for his role in advancing the sport’s profile and participation rates.

The New Year Honours also recognise community leaders like Eroni Clarke, an MNZM recipient for his work in the Pacific community and contributions to rugby. Volunteers such as Jenny Nahu and Gary Whittle have also received MNZM awards for their decades of service in local rugby league, influencing the culture and sustainability of the sport.

These honours highlight not only individual achievements but also the collective effort to promote sports, community service, and advocacy across New Zealand.