New Year Honours Celebrate Icons in Sports and Community Contributions

The New Year Honours have acknowledged the significant achievements of several prominent figures in New Zealand sports and community service. Among those celebrated are IndyCar champion Sir Scott Dixon, marathon runner Lorraine Moller, and bowls athlete Val Smith, who have all made notable contributions to their respective fields.

Sir Scott Dixon has been knighted for his exceptional career in motorsport. Since joining Chip Ganassi Racing in 2001, Dixon has established himself as a dominant force in IndyCar, claiming six championships and four Daytona victories with Wayne Taylor Racing. With a record of 59 race wins and 142 podium finishes, he holds the title of the most successful driver in the series. His induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in March 2024 further solidifies his legacy. Outside of racing, Dixon actively supports charitable organizations such as CanTeen, St Jude, and Teen Cancer America.

In recognition of her advocacy and achievements in athletics, Lorraine Moller has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). Competing from 1973 to 1996, Moller was a trailblazer for women in sports, notably participating in the inaugural women’s marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She won 16 international marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon, and earned an Olympic bronze medal. Moller continues to hold records in New Zealand and has contributed to initiatives promoting gender equity in sports.

Another recipient of the ONZM, Val Smith, has significantly impacted the sport of bowls. Having retired from international competition in early 2025, she is New Zealand’s most capped outdoor bowls athlete, with 667 games played for her country. Smith has won two World Championship titles and has represented New Zealand in five Commonwealth Games. Beyond her athletic accomplishments, she has been a dedicated administrator and performance coach, fostering the next generation of bowlers.

In cricket, Martin Guptill, the all-time highest run-scorer for New Zealand in T20 International matches, has been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). Over nearly 20 years, Guptill solidified his status as a key player in the Black Caps, achieving a remarkable double-century of 237 not out in an ODI, a record that remains unbeaten in World Cup history.

The honours also recognize influential figures in sports governance. Greg Barclay, recipient of the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), has played pivotal roles in cricket administration, serving as the Independent Chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2020 to 2024. His recent appointment as a board member of New Zealand Rugby highlights his ongoing contributions to sporting governance.

Additionally, Tony Quinn has received a CNZM for his transformative impact on New Zealand motorsport. He founded the Tony Quinn Foundation and the Hampton Downs New Zealand Racing Academy in 2021, aimed at nurturing young talent, with Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson being one of the first beneficiaries.

Further acknowledgments include Brian Davies, who has dedicated over 60 years to motorsport, and Rod Dixon, a four-time Olympian recognized for his contributions to athletics and advocacy for Special Olympics since 2005. Judith Hamilton has also been celebrated for her role in rowing, becoming the first female high-performance director at Rowing New Zealand.

The New Year Honours reflect a commitment to recognizing not only athletic excellence but also the invaluable contributions made by individuals to their communities and sports. The achievements of these honorees inspire future generations and highlight the importance of equity and opportunity in sports across New Zealand and beyond.