Novelist wins New Zealand's top honor

Sir Albert Wendt honoured

Emeritus Professor Albert Wendt (right) performing the Hongi with the Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae as he receives his Insignia of a Member of the Order of New Zealand.

   Albert Wendt, a man of iconic status in New Zealand, who is regarded as one of the world's leading indigenous novelists has been awarded the highest possible honour in New Zealand's honours system.  

 

Emeritus Professor Albert Wendt, a novelist, poet, playwright and painter, was made a member of the Order of New Zealand at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Auckland yesterday.

   

Only 20 people can be members of the Order of New Zealand at one time. The only way an insignia can be passed on is when a person dies.

   

Professor Wendt's insignia came from the late Margaret Mahy, who died in July last year.