Former Herald political writer John Armstrong yesterday received the insignia of an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to journalism.
He retired last year as the Parkinson's disease he was diagnosed with 15 years ago took its toll.
When the awards were announced, he said he was surprised but "extremely chuffed" by the accolade.
"I never had a day when I didn't want to go to work. That's a lucky position to be in. But I think in a funny way having Parkinson's helped me be more direct, bold, and brave because you never knew how long you would get to do the job."
Yesterday he said: "I still view it as just doing my job, hopefully better every time I did a column or comment piece."
