The New Zealand Order of Merit: John Banks

John Banks. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A Queen's Birthday Honours investiture ceremony was held at Government House in Auckland yesterday. The Herald profiles five of the honourees.

JOHN BANKS, CNZM

Admiring the new medal tied around his neck, former mayor and National Party Cabinet minister John Banks is the first to notice the colour of the ribbon - red.

"Just for today, it's okay to wear red," he said, chuckling about the Labour Party's colour.

Mr Banks received the insignia of a Companion of the NZ Order of Merit, for his services to local government.

The mayor of the old Auckland City from 2001 to 2004 and 2007 to 2010 said that being recognised for his work in the community was a nice way of letting him know that he had achieved something.

"I'm deeply humbled and so grateful for the honour," he said. "It's been a long and winding road over 36 years [of public work] and it's been a great privilege to serve the community.

"I'm eternally grateful and thankful to my family, who have had to put up with quite a lot over those years."

Mr Banks was an MP for 18 years and also held the Tourism, Local Government and Police portfolios in the Cabinet.