THE Government's move to reinstate Knighthoods is welcome.
Prime Minister John Key has announced the traditional system of Knights and Dames will return - some nine years after the former Labour government ditched the titles.
The highest honour bestowed upon New Zealanders since 2000 has been the Principal and Distinguished Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
The 85 New Zealanders who received that title - including the likes of Colin Meads, Russell Coutts, Jenny Shipley and Sam Neill - now have the choice of keeping it, or becoming a Sir or Dame.
In Rotorua, the Rt Rev Te Whakahuihui Vercoe, also received the Order of Merit but died in September 2007. His wife Doris Vercoe believes he would have accepted a knighthood if it had been offered to him.
Rotorua's own Knight, Sir Howard Morrison, is quoted in today's Daily Post as saying he's right behind National's move. He says Knighthoods give recipients far more "mana".
Sir Howard also, quite rightly, points out the the system of the past nine years is more confusing than the traditional one. And, he has also been concerned that as a Maori, he would end up one of the last to have the title of "Sir". Former world squash champion Dame Susan Devoy had also been worried she could be one of the last "Dames" in the country, years down the track.
It can be argued the traditional titles hold more power - and, importantly, allow for instant recognition and respect for those bearing them.
Labour says New Zealand has been moving away from its British colonial system to one that reflects our independence and values and the change is indeed a move in the wrong direction.
The truth is New Zealand will always hold links with Britain - but having traditional titles does not mean we will become any less independent as a country. New Zealand will still be in charge of its own destiny, hold its own values, and continue to progress at its own pace. Sirs and Dames won't change that.
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OUR VIEW: Return to Knighthoods welcome
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