Beknighted

Not many visual artists have been knighted. We’d like to think it's because most of the artists offered Knight and Damehoods told the Government of the day, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Toss Woollaston was the last one who accepted that we recall, but there may have been others. Now Robin White, Peter Siddell and Doreen Blumhardt have opted to join the ranks of those addressed as Sir or Dame. Already honoured by New Zealand, they and 78 others have opted to go to St Paul’s Cathedral in Wellington tomorrow so they can get a title.

So let’s applaud all those in the arts who said no to this retro and idiotic attempt to pretend we are still British.

Len Castle
Joy Cowley
Patricia Grace
Witi Ihimaera
Sam Neill
Vincent O'Sullivan

It’s an honour to have you amongst us.