Former mayor now a dame
Former Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast has been made a dame at a ceremony at Government House for her services to governance and the community.
Speaking after the ceremony yesterday, Prendergast said she was surrounded with supportive family and ready to celebrate.
‘‘I think they’re very proud as well. But they also missed out because I’ve been so busy, hopefully they know that they were loved, even while I haven’t been able to spend as much time with them as I would have preferred.’’
Prendergast completed her third term as mayor in 2010, and since then has taken on the chairwoman role of a number of organisations, including Tourism New Zealand and the Environmental Protection Authority. While holding her many board appointments she balanced many positions, spanning from culture and arts, to environment, social and business. ‘‘I’ve been lucky enough to create a new career since mayoralty.’’
It’s just been announced that she will be chairing the Royal New Zealand Ballet from January.
The ceremony itself was wonderful, special and very emotional, she said. Before the ceremony, she wasn’t aware that dames could not be dubbed with a sword, and so instead she was presented with a korowai cloak to wear.
‘‘You get the korowai placed on you as you’re invested .... it was very special wearing it.’’
Prendergast said it was an honour to be recognised by the Government. ‘‘It’s a special acknowledgement from the Government and it was very special having Dame Patsy give it to me, because I’ve known her for a long time ... that was a very special part of the honour as well.’’
Designer David Trubridge, rugby star Ma’a Nonu and actor Robyn Malcolm were among those who celebrated their achievements at investiture ceremonies this week.