The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2012: Whitcoulls owners and New Zealand authors are recipients

June 7 - PANZ

Anne and David Norman, owners of Whitcoulls, Farmers and other stores were named Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours list last Monday. Their awards were for services to business.

“It is fitting that Anne and David Norman should receive acknowledgement of the work that they have done,” said Kevin Chapman, president of Publishers Association of New Zealand. “They have gone out of their way to return New Zealand retailing icons to New Zealand ownership, and in particular in the case of Whitcoulls, the entire book industry owes them a vote of thanks. With their help, the writers, readers, and indeed publishers of the country are better off.”

Also receiving the CNZM is Owen Marshall Jones of Timaru. The distinguished short story writer, poet and novelist, better known as just Owen Marshall, was given the award for services to literature. His work has received major New Zealand literary awards.

Three authors and a publisher were named Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Geoff Chapple is a writer, scriptwriter and a leading force in developing the Te Araroa Walking Trail through New Zealand and writing a highly regarded book about the experience. His award was for services to tramping, tourism and literature.

Fiona Farrell writes novels, short stories and poetry and was nominated for service to literature. Her most recent work The Broken Book is non-fiction, her reactions to the Christchurch earthquakes, how they can “change everything in a flash: the words you were writing, the house you were living in, the thoughts that preoccupied you.”

John Puhiatau Pule received his ONZM for services as an author, poet and painter. He has written three novels, poetry and his art exhibition John Pule: Hauaga has recently finished showing at Auckland Art Gallery.

Bridget Williams, as reported on Wednesday, was awarded an ONZM for services to publishing.

Cookbook, travel and memoir author, the flamboyant television personality Peta Mathias, was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services as an author and television presenter. 

Also receiving the MNZM - for services as a chef – was Al Brown. The restaurateur has also fronted popular prime time television shows and has written two acclaimed cookbooks, Go Fish and Stoked.