So accordingly, Sir John Walker, running great and now Parkinsons sufferer is the first new knight to be so recognised by the Queen. That is an honour which is much deserved, in our considered opinion. Walker is, these days, very active in work with the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation.
And in a wonderful touch, Peter Snell who was honoured with a DCONZ in 2001, then New Zealand's highest honour will become Sir Peter on 1 July 2009. This is amove which has delighted Sir John, who told the Herald:
"Peter was my idol. I would have been very disappointed if he'd not got one or I'd got one first."
In addition to Walker's knighthood, two new Dames have been honoured - Dame Jenny Gibbs has been recognised for her services to the arts, and Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi for her services to Maori education.
Keeping Stock salutes these people, and all those other New Zealanders who have been honoured today.
8 comments:
All the good news here is sadly overshadowed by the disgraceful bestowing of an honour on Deaker.
Appalling.
LB I can tolerate Deaker and listen to him from time to time - usually when he his taking calls rather than when he is ranting about something. I was listening to him in the car yesterday when he got Danny Morrison on - I changed stations very quickly.
pdm,
You don't rate Danny Fizz much either?
I'm not saying Deaker's the worst (ironically he got a gong today too) but a self-publicist sports jock getting a gong??
Services to advertising perhaps.
LB - it would be a toss-up between DK Morrison and Daryl Costigan as to who uses the most cliches.
Personally, I don't have a problem with Deaker. With his history of alcoholism and mental illness, he has been to places that I hope that you and I never have to. That he has come through the other side suggests that there is more to the man than the public persona. He's also done a lot of good work through FADE.
Occasionally Deaker is called by a young person (child) who is really interested in sport. Deaker is then at his best, respectful, gives his full attention to the discussion, and encourages the very best out of the caller. At those times I can almost forget the appalling "Blackheart" campaign which was a blot on NZ's sporting landscape, obviously only "almost" because I mention it here. However, Deaker is at least as worthy as any other sports broadcaster, so congratulations to him.
Anon - I think you'll find that Deaker also wishes that he could forget the Blackheart campaign! From memory, as he described it in his second book, it came at the time when he was somewhat unwell as a result of his bipolar illness. The whole Coutts/Butterworth thing was something he took personally, in all probability due to his state of mind. You're quite right; it was a blot on the landscape.
LB - I assume the other sports jock you are referring to is mystery Morrison.
I always enjoyed him as a cricket commentator but haven't heard too much of his Sunday sports programme.
There were times when it was a mystery to me when he got picked for tests but to give him his dues he did get a ton against Australia - in Adelaide I think.
PDM;
Mystery; correct. He got one ton, against an injury depleted Aus attack in Syd. Parker also got a ton if that helps assess the attack.
And he's being playing on it ever since.
For so long he's wunked on about the "culture of mediocrity" in NZ cricket teams.
Well brilliant John, but lets look at your record.
He's neatly tucked in the Test averages between Nash and Pocock.
Way behind Vettori, Vincent, Styris, Marshall, Rutherford, Young and about 100 other mediocrities you might find in the averages list.
And his homophobic Parnell unfunny radio "jokes" were of deep embarrassment to this and many other Wellingtonians.
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