New Zealand sport celebrates New Year Honours

New Zealand Rugby has welcomed its newest Knight, Sir Steve Hansen, and latest Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) Steve Tew, after both were named in the New Zealand Royal Honours list today.

Former All Blacks Head Coach Sir Steve joins a small group of New Zealanders appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, recognising a remarkable career in coaching.

Outgoing New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew has been appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to rugby and sports administration.

New Zealand Rugby Chair Brent Impey congratulated both men on their appointments, commenting "Steve is one of the greatest ever All Black coaches, including playing a critical role in the back-to-back World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.

"His extraordinary skills saw him lead the All Blacks through a wonderful period during which he was named World Rugby’s best coach in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016.

"Steve Hansen’s knighthood for services to rugby recognises his exceptional involvement and contribution to the game and we applaud this very special achievement.

"Steve Tew’s 25-year career as a rugby administrator has been outstanding.

"Under his leadership as Chief Executive of NZR he significantly improved revenues, hosted the 2011 Rugby World Cup, won the rights to host the 2021 Rugby World Cup, championed women’s rugby and led NZR’s diversity and inclusion programme.

"The rugby community in New Zealand and internationally has a huge amount of respect for Steve Tew and we extend our heartfelt congratulations on becoming an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit."

Netball World Cup winning coach Noeline Taurua has been named a Dame in the New Year’s Honours, becoming just the third netballer to do so.

She follows in the footsteps of Dame Lois Muir (services to netball) and Dame June Mariu (services to Maori and the community) in being awarded a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM).

Taurua was one of three netballers to be recognised in the 2019 Honours list along with world champion Silver Ferns captain Laura Langman and former Silver Fern Margaret Forsyth who were both made Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).