Strong Voices

Hamish Taverner has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to people with learning disabilities in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026.

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Hamish Taverner’s involvement with IHC goes back decades. After being mainstreamed in school until the age of 15 before entering IHC, Hamish has gone on to build a life centred on independence, leadership, and creating change for others.

The Palmerston North resident is a member of the IHC Rangitikei Association Committee and was the first person with an intellectual disability to hold the role of Chair of the Association. Hamish is also part of the IHC Chief Executive Advisory Group.

A dedicated and passionate advocate, Hamish has worked as an evaluator helping assess care homes for disabled people, he’s delivered Disability Equality Training, participated in research projects involving people with intellectual disabilities, and held leadership roles with IHC, People First New Zealand, Standards and Monitoring Services (SAMS), the Disabled Persons Assembly, Special Olympics, and the Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability (ASID).

“I like to help people to make sure they have a voice and can have a fair and equal life in New Zealand,” Hamish says.

His appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit recognises a lifetime spent championing inclusion, equity, independence, and the rights of people with learning disabilities to be heard, respected, and fully included in society.

Congratulations Hamish!

Hamish has also contributed to national advisory and policy work. His input has helped to shape the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016-2026 and the development of family violence and sexual violence policy and strategy for disabled people.

But Hamish’s work isn’t all about meetings and emails. He’s had a 40-year involvement with the Special Olympics as an athlete, leader and, of course, as an advocate. This long association included becoming an inaugural member of the National Athlete Leadership Congress and Global Messenger Congress in 2012.

Above: Hamish Taverner.