02/06/2026
Congratulations to Hamish Taverner on being named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2026 Kingโs Birthday Honours, recognised for services to people with learning disabilities ๐๐
For more than 40 years, Hamish has been part of the Special Olympics New Zealand whฤnau โ as an athlete, leader, volunteer, and advocate.
From representing New Zealand internationally and winning medals at the Asia Pacific Games, to serving as Athlete Spokesperson and supporting athletes and events across the country, Hamish has dedicated decades to helping create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate, belong, and thrive through sport.
He represented New Zealand at the Global Messenger Congress and has spent decades championing the rights, inclusion, and potential of people with intellectual disabilities across Aotearoa.
His impact reaches far beyond sport. Through decades of leadership, volunteering, and community service, Hamish has helped build understanding, challenge perceptions, and create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across Aotearoa.
We are incredibly proud to see Hamish recognised with this well-deserved honour. Thank you for your lifelong contribution to Special Olympics New Zealand, the disability community, and the many lives you have inspired along the way.
Congratulations, Hamish ๐