A leading figure in the development of Pacific literature has received the highest award in New Zealand's honours system.
The distinguished writer and academic, Professor Albert Wendt, has been made a member of the Order of New Zealand in New Zealand's Queens Birthday Honours.
Professor Wendt says news that he has become a Member of the Order of New Zealand will delight his extended family and friends around the Pacific.
"For me I consider it an honour and a privilege to receive it but I am very happy because I know all those people will be happy when they get the news. People forget that I have been teaching most of my working life and I have taught hundreds, thousands, of students, young and old, and I know a lot of them will be very happy because over the years many of them have become my friends and supporters."
Professor Albert Wendt.
