Business heads recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours

Food magnate Sir Patrick Goodman is among a number of business figures honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Sir Patrick, formerly chairman of Goodman Fielder Wattie, was appointed a Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business, his patronage of the arts and other community activities in the Nelson area.

Also honoured were Leslie Hutchins, founder of Fiordland Travel, who becomes a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to conservation and tourism, and John Gallagher, of the Hamilton-based Gallagher Group. He becomes a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to community and local body affairs.

Racehorse breeder, chairman of New Zealand Bloodstock and TAB director Peter Vela becomes an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and Tauranga researcher Dr Graham Everitt becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to the beef industry, as does Dannevirke's Mavis Mullins, for services to the wool industry.