ioi | President presents the Golden Order of Merit to two former Presidents, and Life Members, of the IOI, during official visit to New Zealand

Chris Field, President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) and Western Australian Ombudsman, presented two Golden Orders of Merit during his official visit to New Zealand.

“As part of my official visit to New Zealand, it was truly a great honour to present the Golden Order of Merit to two former Presidents, and Life Members, of the IOI, Dame Beverley Wakem DNZM CBE and Sir Brian Elwood CBE JP. The Golden Order of Merit recognises exceptional contribution in respect of the purposes of the IOI” said President Field.

“Sir Brian was the President of the IOI between 1999 and 2002. Dame Beverley was President between 2010 and 2014 and the first woman to hold the position of Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand. Dame Beverley was a wonderful mentor and friend to me when I was first elected to the World Board of the IOI in 2012. I express my deepest appreciation for the hugely significant contribution Dame Beverley and Sir Brian have made to the IOI, the institution of the Ombudsman, global good governance and to their country” said President Field.