The New Zealand Herald

7 June 2004

 
Queen's Birthday Honours: Oscar success rewarded
 

07.06.2004 -

Four New Zealanders who came home covered in honours after Oscar night have added to their gloryboards.

Ngila Dickson, costume designer for Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, was made an officer of the NZ Order of Merit. Screenwriter Philippa Boyens, designer Grant Major and editor Jamie Selkirk are made members of the NZ Order of Merit.

"It is a privilege and I'm excited about it but at the moment I'm alone with no champagne and no one to celebrate it with," Ms Dickson said from a Los Angeles hotel room.

Another person from the entertainment world to be honoured was Lucy Lawless, made a member of the NZ Order of Merit.

The 36-year-old actor, whose role as Xena in Xena: Warrior Princess made her a cult television star, has been involved with the Starship Foundation for the past 10 years and has held a role on its board of trustees for the past four years.

Starship Foundation chief executive Andrew Young said Lawless gave freely of her time.
 
 
What is the Order of Merit?

Instituted in 1996, the New Zealand Order of Merit has five levels. Principal Companion (PCNZM), Distinguished Companion (DCNZM), Companion (CNZM), Officer (ONZM) and Member (MNZM). Prior to 2000 recipients at the first two levels were entitled to use the titles ‘Sir or Dame’. It is awarded for meritorious service to the Crown or the nation and to those who have become distinguished in their particular field of endeavour. Membership is restricted to 30 Principal Companions at any one time, 15 Distinguished Companions, 40 Companions, 80 Officers and 140 Members per year. More information on the New Zealand Order of Merit is available at the New Zealand Honours Secretariat web site.
http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/overview/nzom.html