31/05/2026
👏🏽🎖️ Southland talent, dedication and community spirit have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours!
Eight Southlanders have been honoured for making a lasting difference across business, philanthropy, Māori leadership, the arts, construction, youth development, governance, and rural mental health.
Among those recognised are Invercargill businessman and philanthropist Scott O’Donnell, whose leadership has helped transform Invercargill’s city centre and support major tourism attractions, and Hokonui Rūnanga Upoko Terry Nicholas, honoured for more than three decades of service to iwi, community development, and governance in Murihiku.
Other recipients include former public servant and accomplished mountaineer Mervyn English, community advocate Becs Amundsen, construction and cricket stalwart Bill Donaldson, long-serving Scout leaders Noel and Susan Walker, and rural mental health champion Lindsay Wright.
From revitalising communities and preserving local history to supporting young people, farmers, and whānau, these Southlanders have each left an incredible mark on our region.
Congratulations to all of this year’s King’s Birthday Honours recipients – a truly inspiring group of people making Southland proud. 👏🏽💚
