Some of New Zealand’s most respected doctors, educators, entrepreneurs and community leaders have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.

Ninety-five men and 83 women make up the list, honouring 178 people for work in their respective fields.

Among the names are Commonwealth Games discus gold medallist Beatrice Faumuinā, made a Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for her services to sport and governance (CNZM); veteran journalist Barry Soper, made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to journalism; and distinguished Māori academic and film-maker Dr Reuben Tuwhakahekeao Collier, made a Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for services to Māori and education.

Six people have been appointed Knights and Dames Companion of the NZ Order of Merit. They are:

• Dr Paul Andrew Baker, for services to health.
• Peter Boshier, for services to the State and judiciary.
• Professor Emeritus James Chapman, for services to literacy education.
• David Ellis, for services to the thoroughbred industry and philanthropy.
• Susan Hassall, for services to education.
• Professor Elizabeth Rata, for services to education.

Saving children’s lives

Sir Paul Baker has been knighted in this year's King's Birthday Honours.

Sir Paul Baker was a foundation consultant anaesthetist at Auckland’s Starship Children’s hospital and has worked for more than 40 years as an airway management specialist and paediatric anaesthetist.

He also founded AirwaySkills, a teaching course focusing on airway management to help give doctors the confidence and skills to manage patients with difficult airways. The course, established in 1996, was the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Asked why he chose to get into paediatrics, Baker said: “Children are inspirational. They are resilient and courageous, often facing major surgery and adversity.”

Children were also an important cohort for airway management because they can present some of the most difficult airways.

“I’m proud of improving patient safety through advancing airway management in New Zealand and internationally.”

Sir Peter Boshier is a former Principal Family Court Judge and Chief Ombudsman. The latter role saw him focus on a faster and more effective resolution of the Official Information Act and other complaints.

His commitment in the area has resulted in government information being more accessible and transparent.

Sir James Chapman is recognised for his significant contributions to literacy teaching and learning in New Zealand and internationally in the 1980s, particularly in learning disabilities and dyslexia research.

His pioneering research on learning difficulties and educational psychology has had a huge impact on children and NZ schools. His work has shaped how young Kiwis learn to read, influenced national policy and guided the development of literacy approaches.

Raising young adults ‘a privilege’

University of Waikato chancellor Susan Hassall.

Dame Susan Hassall is honoured for her dedication to education, having served as headmaster at Hamilton Boys’ High School for 25 years and overseeing significant academic and supporting successes and growth during that time. She continues her work as the chancellor at Waikato University.

“It’s a real privilege to be involved in crafting young people into becoming young adults. What brought me into it was that I love learning. What kept me in it was the people.”

Dame Elizabeth Rata is also recognised for services to education, with an impressive academic career spanning 50 years. She is a sociologist of education specialising in research on ethnic politics and curriculum knowledge.

Rata is also a foundation member of Kura Kaupapa Māori, established in the 1980s, and is widely respected internationally for her work developing bilingual and immersion curriculum.

Sir David Ellis has been knighted in recognition of his services to the thoroughbred industry and to philanthropy.

Last year, he was inducted into the NZ Racing Hall of Fame, recognised as one of the most influential figures in the NZ thoroughbred racing, breeding and rural enterprise.

Ellis is also acknowledged for sustaining the local breeding industry, with a record-setting investment of more than $150 million at the Karaka yearling sales, as a leading buyer for more than 20 years.

Pacific fashion designer honoured

Samoan fashion designer Filomena Loheni started high-end Pacific fashion label Mena in Auckland in 2002.

Seventy-one people are now Members of the NZ Order of Merit, while 40 are Officers of the NZ Order of Merit. Ten people have been appointed Companions of the NZ Order of Merit, while three Kiwis have been appointed to the King’s Service Order.

Forty-seven Kiwis have been awarded the King’s Service Medal. One person has been awarded the NZ Antarctic Medal, while another receives the Distinguished Service Decoration.

Samoan fashion designer Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni has been honoured as an MNZM for her services to Pacific fashion.

The 76-year-old self-taught seamstress founded high-end Pacific fashion label Mena in 2002.

Her daughters and now grandchildren help run the Auckland-based store and clothing designs, which continue to be in high demand in Samoa and around the Pacific region, as well as in the United States and Asia.

“I didn’t go to any sewing school. I practically taught myself when I was little. I’d cut pieces of old fabric and dress up dolls. Gradually, I started making my old clothes.

“When my girls were young, I worked from home, dress-making. I never thought they would all join me in the business. I feel honoured ... and proud.”

‘My purpose’: Helping others

Dr Shanthi Selvakumar says it has been her life's purpose to help others.

Physician Dr Shanthi Selvakumar’s dedication to migrant and refugee communities – particularly migrant women and children affected by domestic violence – has earned her a King’s Service Medal.

She is known for providing free medical care to victims of abuse and leading medical camps around New Zealand and the Pacific region, where her husband, two daughters and sons-in-law – also doctors – run free clinics.

“I’ve always been working to help the underprivileged – it is my nature. As a doctor, you do your duty. I take it as a call – my purpose.”