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Early knighthood ceremony for Sir Paul

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Early knighthood ceremony for Sir Paul

3News NZ

Sir Paul Holmes

Sir Paul Holmes

Health concerns have prompted Sir Paul Holmes' family to request an urgent knighthood ceremony.

Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae has agreed to the request, reports the New Zealand Herald, and will perform the ceremony on January 16 at Sir Paul's home. 

The broadcaster was named a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in this year's New Year Honours. 

Sir Paul was a late addition to the list, not finding out he would be knighted until a receiving a call from the Prime Minister on Christmas Day.

The veteran broadcaster retired last year due to continued ill health. He told 3 News in December he was now ready to relax.

"That’s all I want to do. I don’t want to have to be media, I don’t want to have to do talking, I don’t want to talk into a microphone. I’m perfectly happy just to be Paul Holmes, living at home here in the country residence." 

Also recognised in the honours were philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn and Olympic medallist Sir Mark Todd, who will have to wait until later in the year for their ceremonies.  

3 News

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Comments

9/01/2013 10:17:54 a.m.

Joe wrote:

@Barbara: the issue is whether Paul Holmes has actually served broadcasting as well as we are led to believe. He is a good guy and a NZ institution, but not knighthood material... and the fact that John Key contacted him personally on Christmas Day is very suspicious. Smells of old boy network. Honours should be reserved for those who have REALLY contributed to this country, not just made a lot of noise. The comparison with John Simpson and David Dimbleby is very valid and you would do well to look them up and find out about what they have done. Not so long ago Judy Bailey was being referred to as the "mother of the nation"... another load of c**p.

9/01/2013 9:47:51 a.m.

Barbara wrote:

Umm Neil. If you like the British system so much and whether or not you're from NZ or UK, perhaps you should (if not already) live in Britain so as not to insult your sensibilities.

9/01/2013 9:44:02 a.m.

Barbara wrote:

I say congratulations!!! I imagine there isn't any one at one time who has disagreed strongly about something Paul Holmes has said and became rankled - that is because he has done his job brilliantly - he has evoked commentary and thought on a range of subjects about which a lesser person would be too afraid to do in the media. Well done Mr Holmes. Thank you for opening eyes and making people think and being thoroughly entertaining at the same time.

8/01/2013 3:27:39 p.m.

@Neil wrote:

Really sad that Paul Holmes' health is deteriorating, but I agree that he is no John Simpson or David Dimbleby (both BBC)... and neither of them are "Sir". Makes a mockery yet again of the NZ honours system. Same with Willy Apiata... VC..???? Yeah, right. Wouldn't have got it in the British Army... but NZ standards are far lower (what's new!) The real truth is no doubt that Paul Holmes has been given the knighthood for services to the National Party, (right, Mr Key?)

8/01/2013 3:02:27 p.m.

neil wrote:

this is or must be a joke , you can not be teeling me that this guy get a knight hood , sorry this must be a joke

8/01/2013 1:13:05 p.m.

William wrote:

I just heard yesterday that he only has an estimated 3 mths left with us...it's only the good that get taken early before their due time.

8/01/2013 7:23:34 a.m.

Effort wrote:

Sir Paul's showed great courage and strength to battle away the pain when he appeared on the news, The least we could do is Honour him now as we will treasure him in the future.