Anyone can help recognise those making a difference. You can nominate anyone who has:

• made a significant impact through paid or voluntary work
• gone above and beyond expectations in their role
• demonstrated leadership, innovation or long-term commitment
• positively influenced others through sport and recreation.

Note: Individuals cannot nominate themselves and nominations must remain confidential.

Step 1: Gather your group

• Form a small group to help with the nomination.
• Include a coordinator, community members, a writer and a reviewer.

Step 2: Collect information

• Build a detailed picture of the nominee’s service and achievements.
• Use facts, numbers and quotes to support your case.

Include all relevant positions, both paid and voluntary. If exact dates aren’t known, you can include a range (eg, 1990-98) or total years (eg, 10 years). Check their LinkedIn profile if they have one and talk to others to confirm details.

Step 3: Request letters of support

• You’ll need at least 2 letters of support from people who know the nominee well. These letters can help show what kind of person they are and highlight the positive impact they’ve made.
• Encourage a range of voices, such as colleagues, community leaders, athletes, mentees and beneficiaries.
• Keep in mind, the person you’re nominating shouldn’t know about it. Please ask anyone writing a support letter to keep the request confidential.

Download the nomination form from the DPMC website.

Email the completed form and letters of support to: honours@dpmc.govt.nz

Or post to:

Honours Unit, Cabinet Office
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings L10
Wellington 6011 (No stamp required)

Honours are announced twice a year:

• New Year Honours – 30/31 December
• King’s Birthday Honours – first Monday in June.

Nominations are accepted throughout the year and will be assigned to the next available honours list for consideration. They should be submitted at least 7 months in advance to be considered for that particular list.

Use this checklist to ensure your nomination is complete:

☐ Identify a deserving nominee

☐ Gather detailed information about their contributions

☐ Draft a compelling nomination form

☐ Collect at least 2 strong letters of support

☐ Ensure confidentiality and respect for the nominee

☐ Submit the nomination before the deadline

☐ Celebrate your effort and share learnings with others.

A strong nomination clearly demonstrates the nominee’s impact and what sets them apart. Consider the following questions:

• What would not have happened without this person?
• How have they changed lives through sport and recreation?
• What challenges have they overcome?
• How long have they served and in what capacities?

Use facts, figures and testimonials to support your case.

Letters of support should:

• be personal and specific, not generic
• be written by people who know the nominee well (eg, club presidents, athletes, whānau, local board members)
• include examples of the nominee’s achievements and qualities
• reinforce the reasons the nominee deserves national recognition
• mention any awards or milestones reached.

We encourage nominations that represent the wide range of people contributing to sport and recreation across Aotearoa. Consider individuals whose backgrounds, experience and perspectives help enrich and strengthen our sector.

Individuals who may be worthy of nomination include:

• a volunteer coach who has mentored hundreds of young people over 20 years
• an administrator who created inclusive programmes for disabled athletes
• a community leader who revived traditional Māori games in local schools
• a referee who has championed fair play and respect across generations
• a club founder who built a thriving sports hub in a rural area
• an athlete who has achieved national or international success, and may also have contributed to their sport or community – through, for example, mentoring, advocacy or grassroots involvement.