Happy ending to tough year for Michael Barnett

Michael Barnett sports his new insignia. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Almost 12 months to the day after Michael Barnett was diagnosed with throat cancer, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business.

"After having such a tough year, it was such an honour to be given the award. It really shows how life can turn around," the leading Auckland businessman said.

Mr Barnett was one of 43 invested yesterday among 120 people to be honoured at Government House in Wellington this week.

After months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the 61-year-old was told last December the cancer had gone into remission. A week later he was notified about the honour.

"Just when you think you're at the lowest point, you get recognised by people that you've worked with and worked alongside for several decades. It was a huge boost."

Mr Barnett's weight dropped from 87kgto 67kg during his treatment.

"The biggest thing for me is that we can all really make a difference. The thing that really got me through last year was having a positive attitude. You have to get up every day and believe that you're going to succeed," he said.

"If you believe that, you do make a difference because that's what you see as being your purpose."

He said it was a really special day because he got to share it with his peers whom he holds in high regard.

"They're people who the Governor-General has described as being people who are exceptional and who have gone that little bit further to give back to their communities and their country."

He has been a chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce since 1988 and served on the old Auckland Regional Council from 2004. Mr Barnett has been an outspoken advocate for business and the Auckland region.