King’s Birthday Honours

The New Zealand Bar Association | Ngā Ahorangi Motuhake o te Ture congratulates those who were recognised in the recent King’s Birthday Honours for their contributions to the law, the judiciary and the community.

Dr Jim Farmer CNZM KC, Companion of the Order of Merit

The Bar Association warmly congratulates Dr Jim Farmer KC on his appointment as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM).

Dr Farmer’s contribution to the Independent Bar spans decades, including three terms as President of the Association: 1990–1992, March 1992–February 1994, and October 2004–September 2008.

Those who have worked with Dr Farmer will recognise the qualities that sit behind this honour. His leadership of the Association is a key reason behind its growth and success, and his influence remains part of the NZBA's fabric today.

Hon Paul Joseph Davison KC King’s Service Order

We would also like to acknowledge Hon Paul Joseph Davison KC, a long-time member of the Association, who has been appointed a Companion of the King’s Service Order (KSO). Mr Davison has made a significant contribution to public service and the law over many years.

Following a distinguished career at the bar, he served as a High Court Judge from 2015 to 2023. He has been involved in a range of inquiries and most recently he was the Independent Arbiter for the Lake Alice Torture Redress Scheme.

Mr Davison has supported the NZBA by volunteering his time and expertise in our training programmes, especially our workshops. We are grateful for his continued involvement.

We also acknowledge and congratulate the following on their honours:

  • Knights Companion (KNZM) – Peter Francis Boshier, for services to the state and the judiciary

  • Officers (ONZM) – Jennifer Margaret Hughey, Christchurch, for services to community law and governance

  • New Zealand Antarctic Medal (NZAM) – Professor Alan Dudley Hemmings, for services to Antarctic law and environmental protection

Related News

Access to Justice Winner 2026 Erin Ebborn

04 September

Erin Ebborn has been awarded the 2026 Access to Justice Awar…

Read more

Rule of Law Keynote | Roddy Dunlop KC

03 September

Address to the Bar Association of New Zealand: The Independe…

Read more

Access to Justice Five Years On

27 August

Frances Joychild KC was the inaugural winner of the LexisNex…

Read more

Interim reinstatement and the new section 123C of the Employment Relations Act 2000

27 August

2026 has seen the biggest changes in employment law since th…

Read more