Sir Stephen told RNZ he was “very much honoured” by the award and it was nice that it recognised the work he had done in legal education.<\/p>\n
He helped create a programme to ensure junior counsel can present submissions alongside lead counsel, meaning young lawyers could continue to develop their skills.<\/p>\n
“That’s been a very important part of my life and [it’s] very important to me that education brings opportunities to other people and it’s certainly what I’ve been doing for much longer than my 12 years as a judge.”<\/p>\n
Sir Stephen said the life of a judge was one of constant education and examination.<\/p>\n
He said he arrived on the bench with a “pretty good grasp” of private law but had to continue learning on the job.<\/p>\n
“I’m really very grateful to the lawyers and the judges who taught me those skills so I think this honour is a way of expressing my appreciation for the work they have done to assist me.<\/p>\n
“Judging is reflective. If you’re good at it, it’s because you have good counsel in front of you, you have good colleagues to deliberate with.”<\/p>\n
Dame Jo said she was “entirely overwhelmed” by the award – but it took three weeks for her to see the letter about it.<\/p>\n
She said it had gone to her spam folder and it was not until she received a follow-up letter that she found it.<\/p>\n
“It was a real surprise,” she said.<\/p>\n
Dame Jo said her award was largely for the work she did for Leadership New Zealand – having founded it 20 years ago.<\/p>\n
Leadership was her passion, she said, and believed it was important to focus on the diversity of people who had the potential to make a real difference in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
“For New Zealand to be able to succeed and create a place that our children and grandchildren want to grow up in then we need collaborative leadership with people who can actually work together in a way that understands and empathises with each other’s perspectives.<\/p>\n
“It’s the only way forward, it’s the only way to deal with the wicked problems that we have.”<\/p>\n
Dame Helene told RNZ she felt “incredibly humbled” to receive the honour.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Deputy](\"https:\/\/rnz-ressh.cloudinary.com\/image\/upload\/s--jyhX3pLp--\/ar_16:10,c_fill,f_auto,g_auto,q_auto,w_576\/v1643724621\/4MPDXOI_image_crop_106497\")
<\/p>\nDame Helene Quilter.\u00a0<\/span>Photo:\u00a0RNZ \/ Samuel Rillstone<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n “It was totally unexpected and overwhelming and I read the letter and I was in a bit of a daze. I felt shocked and I thought it must be a mistake so I got my husband to check the letter and confirm my understanding was right.<\/p>\n “So I am of course, delighted to accept it, and also on behalf of the thousands of public servants around the country, who give service to the public every day, we don’t expect this type of recognition so it’s a real privilege to receive it.”<\/p>\n Dame Helene said she was being recognised for 45 years in the public service. She was previously the Deputy Public Service Commissioner of Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission.<\/p>\n She was also a big supporter and participator in New Zealand’s arts sector and currently served as a board member for the New Zealand School of Dance.<\/p>\n “It is such an overwhelming experience because it’s the last thing in the world you think is going to happen and it’s a real shock. When I read the letter it was a real shock.<\/p>\n “I also want to acknowledge and congratulate other honours recipients who will have each achieved so much for the benefit of New Zealand.”<\/p>\n Sir Selwyn was humbled and elated by his knighthood for services to M\u0101ori.<\/p>\n
![\"Te](\"https:\/\/rnz-ressh.cloudinary.com\/image\/upload\/s--4xUKWPOX--\/ar_16:10,c_fill,f_auto,g_auto,q_auto,w_576\/v1643657254\/4MYOSDQ_image_crop_95667\")
<\/p>\n![\"Fans](\"https:\/\/rnz-ressh.cloudinary.com\/image\/upload\/s--C3eR843d--\/ar_16:10,c_fill,f_auto,g_auto,q_auto,w_576\/v1670896586\/4LGUFDU_RNZD2939_jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Dr](\"https:\/\/rnz-ressh.cloudinary.com\/image\/upload\/s--igdkerZR--\/ar_16:10,c_fill,f_auto,g_auto,q_auto,w_576\/v1643731554\/4MOAFXA_image_crop_107793\")
<\/p>\n