Press Release
15th March 2009
Knighthoods restored
The recent announcement by the New Zealand Government of the return of titular honours is to be applauded. The restoration of knighthoods was supported by a groundswell of public opinion, and was indeed overdue. Thankfully the Government recognised this, and has returned the Royal Honours system to its pre-2000 state.
The decision to remove titles, such as Dame or Sir, had denied the community a public and enduring opportunity to celebrate success. The Monarchist League encouraged the Government to restore titular honours to recognise the contribution of outstanding individuals, thereby conveying a greater visibility than do post-nominal letters alone. Happily the advocates for the restoration of knighthoods eventually prevailed.
Professor Noel Cox
Chairman