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The King of New Zealand, King Charles III, has appointed Michael Webster as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in His Majesty’s New Year Honours List.

 

The honour is in recognition of Mr Webster’s services as former Secretary of the Cabinet and Clerk of the Executive Council (from 2014 to 2022).  

 

Mr Webster said he felt honoured and humbled to have his service in his previous role recognised in such a way. 

 

“As Clerk of the Executive Council I had the extraordinary opportunity to support the then Queen of New Zealand, three Governors-General and three Prime Ministers in performing their constitutional roles.  During my time as Clerk, I always sought to ensure there was a better and richer understanding of New Zealand’s constitutional status, and the role of the Sovereign of New Zealand in relation to that.”    

 

Background:

Mr Webster is currently Aotearoa New Zealand’s Privacy Commissioner.  

The Royal Victorian Order was established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. 

It recognises distinguished personal service to the British Sovereign, Canadian Sovereign, Australian Sovereign, or New Zealand Sovereign, and members of the Sovereign’s family. 

 The levels are:

  • Knight / Dame Grand Cross – GCVO.
  • Knight / Dame Commander – KCVO / DCVO.
  • Commander – CVO.
  • Lieutenant – LVO.
  • Member – MVO.