Ex-CYFS chief in Queen's Birthday honours spotlight

Controversial civil servants and broadcasters are among those receiving appointments in today's Queen's Birthday Honours.

Former chief social worker Mike Doolan was made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to social welfare.

Mr Doolan took early retirement in February, saying his six years in the top post had not been enjoyable. His retirement came in the middle of a child abuse crisis and at a time when the Department of Child, Youth and Family was crippled by record numbers of cases without a social worker.

Former Qualifications Authority chief executive Norman Kingsbury was made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education.

The authority was at the centre of a dispute this year when it gave out $400,000 of taxpayers' money to nearly 200 staff for the "stresses and strains" of shifting offices, and as a reward for hard work.

Opposition MPs and teachers were critical of the payments but Mr Kingsbury defended them, saying they were great value and excellent for staff morale.

Broadcasters Peter Sinclair and Catherine Saunders received the same appointment for work in broadcasting.

Catherine Saunders, who has been in television for 30 years, is perhaps best known for her role as a regular panellist on Beauty and the Beast, hosted by Selwyn Toogood, who died three months ago.

Educationalist Dr Ranginui Walker is one of five people appointed New Zealand's third highest honour, being made a distinguished companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Others to receive the award were community worker Patricia Harrison, the former principal of Queen's High School in Dunedin, for her services in education and community work; John Henry, QC, for his work as a former Court of Appeal judge; doctor and sailor David Lewis, for services to yachting and exploration; and Sister Pauline O'Regan, former principal of Villa Maria College in Christchurch, for services to education and the community.

Fisher & Paykel chief executive Gary Paykel has been made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his work in manufacturing and the community.

Recently retired assistant police commissioner Paul Fitzharris has been honoured as an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to police.

Former Internal Affairs secretary Peter Boag also received the honour for his services to the public and the community.

One of New Zealand's top actors, Elizabeth Hawthorne, received the honour for services to the theatre.

Former Chick Suzanne Lynch was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to entertainment, and former All Black captain Andy Leslie received the honour for services to rugby.

- NZPA

Full honours lists: