Sir Sam and Sir Witi unlikely to arise

Author Witi Ihimaera (left) and actor Sam Neill are among those refusing to become knights or dames. Photos / Neville Marriner, Richard Robinson

Author Witi Ihimaera and actor Sam Neill are among the 13 individuals who have refused to become knights or dames under a revision of the honours system, the Weekend Herald understands.

Prime Minister John Key is due to announce 72 new knights and dames in two weeks' time after restoring the titles scrapped by the Labour Government in 2000.

Just 13 of the 85 eligible have decided to remain as principal companions or distinguished companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Ihimaera told the Weekend Herald it was not a matter of accepting or declining, he said he simply did not want to become a "Sir".

"When I accepted the award, I accepted it on the basis that it was a New Zealand award."

A source close to Neill said he also had decided not become a "Sir". The source said the actor felt it was a "backward move".

Neill could not be reached for comment yesterday.

All those eligible to switch titles have made their decision. However, they have been told not to reveal it ahead of an official announcement on August 1 - after the 72 names have been sent to the Queen for approval.

But some have already made their choice clear.

All Black legend Colin Meads said he decided to accept after discussion with family, friends and other dignitaries.

"It just seemed the right thing to do."

He said the title didn't make him feel any different.

"It's awkward. I don't want to be called "Sir"; maybe on formal occasions, but other times you just want to be yourself."

Other New Zealanders who have decided to accept a title include barrister Deirdre Milne, winemaker George Fistonich and lawyer David Gascoigne.

"It's an offer that's been made on behalf of the public of New Zealand and I don't think you decline that sort of thing lightly," Mr Gascoigne said.

He said he didn't accept the arguments about colonialism.

Professor of political science Margaret Clark's reasons for accepting were much simpler: "Everybody just said, 'Why not?"'

The Weekend Herald understands Maori academic Dr Ranginui Walker and former Speaker of Parliament Margaret Wilson have decided to keep their awards as they are. Neither could be reached for comment yesterday.

But Ms Wilson has previously indicated she would not be accepting the title of Dame and would rather see a New Zealand title like Kahurangi, the Maori equivalent of Dame.

Author Patricia Grace also declined, saying restoring titles was "a step backward".

"I wasn't really interested in it.

"I thought we were getting away from the colonial past."

Asked if she would accept a title more befitting of New Zealand, she said that would be preferable.

"I still feel as though the award itself is enough. To me, that says it all."

Vincent O'Sullivan, emeritus professor of English at Victoria University in Wellington, said he chose not to accept a title because it didn't fit New Zealand "historically and socially".

"It didn't seem to make much sense in contemporary New Zealand society."

He said countries like Australia and Canada got rid of knighthoods "ages ago" and came up with their own more fitting titles.

"We love talking about our individual spirit, but if there's an opportunity to sit on mother's [Britain's] knee again, we'll take it," he said.

Former Privacy Commissioner Bruce Slane said he had made his decision but would not comment further.