Three persons of Indian origin feature in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List released by the Governor General’s Office on June 7.
None of them is from Auckland.
Wellington based Vivek Kinra, a dedicated Bharata Natyam dancer who runs the popular Mudra Dance Academy has been appointed Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his services to the traditional Indian Dance.
Ratilal Champaneri (Immediate Past President of the New Zealand Indian Central Association) of Wellington and Paul Chunilal Patel of Palmerston North would receive the Queen’s Service Medal for their service to the Indian community.
The Queen’s Birthday Honours List this year features five prominent New Zealanders admitted to the Knighthood since it was restored this year with the New Year Honours.
They are Frederick Allen of Whangaparaoa (for his services to Rugby), Graeme Douglas of Auckland (Philanthropy and Athletics), Peter Leitch of Auckland, popularly known as the ‘Mad Butcher’ (Business and Philanthropy), David Levene of Auckland (Business and Community) and Richard Taylor of Wellington (Film).
They will be entitled to the honorific of ‘Sir’ preceding their first name.
John Williams of Waitakere City was made an Additional Knight of the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services as a judge.
Temuranga Jackson of Manukau City was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to Maori.
