New Zealand’s New Year Honours List recognises achievements in conservation and rugby
New Zealand's 2021 New Year Honours List has awarded significant career achievements across the country with Black Ferns and Canterbury halfback Kendra Cocksedge and tourism and conservation practitioner Paul Norris each being named as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Cocksedge has several accolades to her name including a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, top points scorer in Black Ferns history and as the first female winner of the prestigious Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Trophy award
Commenting on her recognition, New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Robinson stated "Kendra is a leading figure in the women’s game and works tirelessly both on and off the field. She continues to set a benchmark as one of the best halfbacks in the world and the work she does in her role as Women’s Rugby Participation Manager ensures the game continues to grow.
"This recognition is so well-deserved and we are delighted for her and her family."
Cocksedge who debuted for the Black Ferns in 2007, playing 53 Tests, was named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2015 and has been a pivotal member of the reigning Farah Palmer Cup champion Canterbury side.
Paul Norris’ recognition as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit follows a 28-year-long career in tourism, during which he has introduced and overseen a variety of conservation support initiatives.
Known for helping visitors "gain more and do more" in some of New Zealand’s World Heritage sites, Norris had worked with the Department of Conservation to facilitate expeditions where passengers carried out volunteer work in Fiordland.
In his efforts, he raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various conservation projects.
Although Norris had always been interested in conservation, he became actively involved when starting at Real Journeys.
He told the Otago Daily Times "I’m fortunate to work for an organisation that wants to share these areas with people, but in such a way that continues to protect it for the next generation to enjoy."
Since 2018 he has been Director of Operations for South Island tourism operator Real Journeys.
Other Honours recipients include:
Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)
Robert Fyfe for services to business and tourism.
Deborah Hockley for services to cricket.
Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
Peter Elliott for services to the performing arts and baseball.
Professor Angela Farrow for services to the arts and theatre.
Joanna Randerson for services to the performing arts.
Former Canterbury rugby player and Japanese international Emeritus Professor Yoshihiro Sakata was made an Honorary Member for services to New Zealand for Japan relations and rugby.
Image: Kendra Cocksedge. Credit: New Zealand Rugby.
Related Articles
14th February 2020 - Silver Ferns secure top honours at 57th Halberg Awards
4th February 2020 - Schedule and venues announced for 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup
31st December 2019 - New Zealand sport celebrates New Year Honours
31st December 2018 - New Zealand arts, sport and tourism achievers recognised in New Year Honours list
17th December 2018 - Record nominations for ISPS Handa Halberg Awards
24th November 2016 - Queenstown’s top tourism operators partner to support New Zealand Open
6th December 2015 - New Zealand Rugby reports growth in participation among girls and women
5th December 2015 - New International Antarctic Centre owners invest in Christchurch tourism growth
2nd June 2015 - Therese Walsh made a Dame in Queen’s Birthday Honours
