We are delighted that so many of those whom we honour have chosen the titular honour following John Key's meeting with the Queen shortly after his election victory. And given that these honours were all instilled under the watch of Helen Clark's government, it is somewhat surprising that the "strike rate" is so high! That said, the list of those who have declined the titular honour is revealing, with the arts disproportionately represented!
The best news of all however is the confirmation that our greatest All Black has chosen to accept the Knighthood offered to him; Colin Meads can now be officially referred to as Sir Tree! And it will be a proud and significant moment for Wanganui when Sir Peter Snell, arguably our greatest Olympian returns to Cooks Gardens in a couple of weeks to unveil a statue commemorating his 1962 world mile record.
3 comments:
'disproportionately represented!'
Looking at the list of acceptees, I see the judiciary fits that criteria. Back-scratchers Society.
But Sir Russell Traitor really is in a league of his own.
Peter Snell arguably our greatest
olympian, there is no contest,
daylight is second. He won his
medals in premier events, real
olympic events. He was voted
greatest NZ sportsman of the 20th
century. He still holds a national
record, his 800m resident
record still stands nearly 50 years on, set on a grass track too.
Alan - you make a VERY persuasive case! I personally rate Snell as #1, though others may beg to differ. He was an incredible athlete in his prime. We drove over from Palmy to see him run at Cooks once - not the 1962 WR but a couple of years later, and it was a huge thrill. Cooks Gardens was full to bursting point that night.
Post a Comment