Strong Voices

In April, IHC National Self Advocacy Advisor David Corner was presented with a New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his dedication to advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

David says he hopes his ONZM will open new doors to further help him get things done.

For those of us who may never receive such an honour, David gives us an inside glimpse into what happens on the day.

New Zealand Honours are presented by the Governor-General, so on Thursday 9 April I went to Government House in Auckland.

Every person was allowed only five guests. I went with my sister and brother-in-law. When we arrived, we met my other sister, my other brother-in-law and my niece.

We went into Government House with everyone else at 9.30 am and were assigned our table and had a drink.

One of the Governor-General’s staff then chose one of the other people who were receiving honours to come up and show us what we were to do. I think the person had received an honour before.

At 10 am, one of the Governor-General’s staff called out the names of the people who were receiving an honour and asked us to assemble in the hall.

They pinned a bar on our lapels to hold our honours and we all introduced ourselves. We were asked if we had any questions.

I asked: “What do we call the Governor-General?”

I was told that the staff called her “ma’am”.  

At 10.30 am the Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro arrived and everyone stood up to sing the national anthem. She welcomed us and then the official part happened.

People were called in order from the highest honour downwards.

When called I had to stand up behind my chair until Dame Cindy signalled for me to come forward. Then she pinned on my honour and we had a few photos taken. I was also given a certificate.

At about 11 am Dame Cindy left and we had a high tea and got to mingle with others who had received honours.

At 11.30 am our ceremony finished and we all went off wearing our honours.

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Above: David Corner with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro at his investiture into the New Zealand Order of Merit at Government House in April 2026.

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