New Year Honours: Celebrating Icons in Sports and Philanthropy

The New Year Honours have recognised several remarkable individuals for their contributions to sports and philanthropy, highlighting the achievements of New Zealand’s sporting icons and their commitment to community service. Among the honorees are **Sir Scott Dixon**, a celebrated IndyCar driver, **Lorraine Moller**, a pioneering long-distance runner, and **Val Smith**, a distinguished lawn bowls champion.

Honouring Sporting Legends

**Sir Scott Dixon**, New Zealand’s most successful modern motorsport champion, has been knighted in recognition of his outstanding career. With a record of six IndyCar Championships and four Daytona victories, Dixon has established himself as a dominant force in motorsports. Since joining Chip Ganassi Racing Teams in **2001**, he has achieved the highest number of victories among current IndyCar drivers, with **59 wins** and a record of **142 podium finishes**. In **March 2024**, he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Beyond racing, Dixon actively supports various charities, serving as an ambassador for **CanTeen**, **St Jude**, and **Teen Cancer America**.

**Lorraine Moller**, awarded the title of Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), has made significant strides for women in athletics. Competing from **1973** to **1996**, Moller was a trailblazer for female athletes, participating in the inaugural women’s marathon at the **1984 Los Angeles Olympics**. She secured **16 international marathon wins**, including the prestigious Boston Marathon, and holds the New Zealand record for the **50km race**. Moller has been a strong advocate for women’s equity in sports, also contributing to humanitarian efforts in Cambodia following the Pol Pot regime.

**Val Smith**, another recipient of the ONZM, is recognised for her remarkable career in lawn bowls. As New Zealand’s most capped outdoor bowls player, Smith represented her country in **667 international matches** from **2003** onwards. Her accolades include two World Championship titles and multiple medals in both the Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Smith has also played a crucial role in developing the sport through her administrative contributions and coaching efforts.

Recognition Beyond the Field

**Martin Guptill**, New Zealand’s all-time highest run-scorer in T20 International matches, has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). Guptill, who enjoyed a prolific career with the Black Caps until **2022**, remains the only New Zealander to have scored a double-century in One Day Internationals, with an impressive score of **237 not out**. His achievements include setting the record for the highest score in a World Cup match.

Several individuals dedicated to sports governance and community service have also been acknowledged. **Greg Barclay**, awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), has played pivotal roles in sports administration, including his tenure as Independent Chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from **2020** to **2024**. His recent appointment to the New Zealand Rugby Board further highlights his influence within the sports sector.

**Tony Quinn**, another CNZM recipient, has significantly impacted New Zealand’s motorsport landscape. His establishment of the **Tony Quinn Foundation** and the **Hampton Downs New Zealand Racing Academy** aims to nurture emerging talent, including Formula 1 driver **Liam Lawson**. **Brian Davies** has also been recognised with the ONZM for his extensive contributions to motorsport over the past **60 years**.

Among other honorees, **Rod Dixon** received the ONZM for his service to athletics, including a bronze medal in the **1500 metres** at the **1972 Olympic Games**. As a patron and inclusion ambassador for **Special Olympics**, Dixon has advocated for physical activity and wellness among youth globally through his **Kids Marathon Foundation**. **Judith Hamilton**, also honoured with the ONZM, has made significant strides in New Zealand rowing, becoming the first female high-performance director at Rowing New Zealand.

**Iain Potter**, recognised with the ONZM for his leadership in basketball, oversaw transformative changes in Basketball New Zealand from **2012** to **2021**. His advocacy for legislation that removed tobacco sponsorship from sports demonstrates his commitment to promoting healthy environments in athletics.

Finally, **Eroni Clarke** has been awarded the MNZM for his contributions to the Pacific community and rugby, while local rugby league volunteers **Jenny Nahu** and **Gary Whittle** have also received the MNZM for their dedication and influence in their respective regions.

The New Year Honours reflect a celebration of not only sporting excellence but also the profound impact these individuals have made in their communities through their charitable work and advocacy for change.