Rotorua’s Leith Comer lives by the philosophy that he’d rather be on the field playing than watching - or worse, standing on the sidelines criticising.
That mindset stuck after reading a book called Being by Vikram Murthy, which Comer said encouraged him to contribute in life, not just “be”.
Today, Comer’s “being” has led to him being made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit - the third highest honour in the New Zealand Order of Merit behind knight/dame companion and knight/dame grand companion - in the New Year 2026 Honours List.
Comer’s honour is for services to Māori, governance and education.
It’s a process Comer is used to, having received a Queen’s Service Order in 2018 for his service to Māori, the state, and local government.
But it’s not one he takes lightly.
“I feel very honoured but also very grateful.”
He said he was honoured when he received letters from the Governor-General and Prime Minister that advised the King had approved his award for the reasons he was nominated.
“But I’m also just so grateful that some of my peers thought it was appropriate to write to Wellington to advocate for me to get this award. I think that is very special.”
Comer said he didn’t believe there was one particular avenue of his life that he had done exceptionally well or better than anyone else.
However, he said no matter what he set his mind to - military life, iwi leadership or public service - he was always determined not just to participate.
“Wherever I have been, I have tried to contribute. If you’re not going to really be there, you are wasting your time and wasting other people’s time.”
Comer said he had been fortunate throughout his working life.
“There have been people taking an interest in me and providing me with opportunities to get involved.”
Affiliated to Te Arawa on his father’s side and Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe and Ngāti Pāhauwera on his mother’s side, Comer started his career in the military with his first overseas posting in Singapore, as an adjutant.
Moving through the ranks quickly, he became captain, and later commanding officer, of the newly created Officer Training School at Waiouru.
Along the way, he was selected to spend two years at the US Infantry Centre Fort Benning, in Georgia, where he received a top award.
After military life, he became chief executive of Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Māori Development, from 2001 to 2013, rubbing shoulders with political hierarchy.
He serves as chairman of his iwi, Ngāti Rangitihi, and has led negotiations culminating in their Treaty settlement in 2022.
He was appointed chairman of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group, established under the terms of the settlement. He served as a member of the Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Tarāwhai, and Tuhourangi Iwi Consortium, advancing iwi-led tourism opportunities in Tarawera.
Comer’s list of achievements includes replacing the Closing the Gaps policy, providing input into the Māori Television Establishment Act, and establishing the Māori Tourism entity.
As chairman of Lakeland Health (formerly Lakes District Health Board) from 1992 to 1997, he helped establish the Tipu Ora Programme.
He served as an inaugural trustee of the Fallen Heroes Trust and chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Board. He is currently a member of the Te Arawa Returned Services League.
His broader governance and community roles include membership of the Te Arawa Wallaby Kahui, Rotorua Area Primary Health Services Board, Te Arawa Emergency Housing initiative, Rotorua Golf Club chairman, New Zealand Parole Board former member and Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive’s Complaints Panel member.
Proving that he’s not done yet, the 77-year-old said he had just taken on a role as community adviser guiding the re-establishment of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology as a viable, stand-alone polytechnic.
Speaking to the Rotorua Daily Post in the days before his honour was made public, Comer spoke fondly of his “wonderful blended family” with supportive wife Fiona. Comer has six children from two previous marriages and Fiona has two children.
“My family have been supportive in whatever I have chosen to do, whether it was the army or public service.
“I came from a family of servants. Sitting around the table growing up in Matatā, there was only ever talk of doing things like going into the army, nursing or teaching so I guess I just followed.”
He said he was not keen on retiring any time soon.
“I’m not sure I could stop being involved yet. I would end up an irritation or a hōhā if I had to stand around doing nothing.”
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.