KEY POINTS:
Chief Ombudsman John Belgrave has been humbled by being appointed to the New Zealand Order of Merit, believing it recognises the support of colleagues and family over the years.
Mr Belgrave, now a Distinguished Companion of the order, has been recognised for public services as Chief Ombudsman.
He has had a long career largely in the public service, including Commerce Commission chairman and assistant secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.
He was appointed Chief Ombudsman in 2003.
"I think the honour is an acknowledgement of all the people who worked with me and supported me and certainly my wife and family.
"I owe all that group very much a vote of thanks and I think this honour does recognise that, but it sure came out of the blue. It makes one feel very humble."
Mr Belgrave said the Ombudsman's job was based on common sense. "Of all the positions I've held, this is probably the most challenging and satisfying. You can do something for the little guy."
He believes people are sometimes let down because of an administrative glitch or process failure, rather than for any malevolent reason.
- NZPA
