WELLINGTON, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The 190 new recipients of New Zealand New Year Honors include six newly-appointed Dames and Knights, such as the reigning Olympic champion Lydia Ko, the government announced on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has congratulated the recipients of the 2025 New Year Honors list, which includes three Dames and three Knights.

New Zealand professional golfer Lydio Ko who is the reigning Olympic champion, becomes a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her achievement of being the youngest player ever inducted into the Ladies Professional Golf Association Hall of Fame at the age of 27, according to the announcement.

The appointment of John Gallagher as Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit reflects his continued service as a philanthropist to benefit the community, Luxon said.

Ted Manson was also recognized for his charitable work. Manson provides vans for schools to enable thousands of students to participate in excursions. He established the School Ready Program which provides targeted teaching resources for new entrant classes, with the aim of lifting children's social and learning skills, the prime minister said.

Other recipients include Peter Skelton who has been a key player in the development of Christchurch's post-earthquake Land Use Recovery Plan, Julie Chapman, the founder of KidsCan which provides food, clothing and health needs for children in poverty to support their education, and Ingrid Collins for services to Maori, business and health governance.

"Every single one of those who received an honor today represents remarkable service to New Zealand," Luxon said. Enditem

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