Establish a system of hereditary honours in New Zealand

What is this petition about?

This petition asks the New Zealand Government to create a new type of award called hereditary honours. Unlike current awards, which are given to an individual and end when they die, hereditary honours would be passed down to the recipient's descendants. The petition proposes a very small number of these awards (up to five senior and ten lesser ones per year) for people who have made contributions so significant that they deserve recognition beyond their own lifetime. Crucially, the petition states these titles would carry no political power, no seat in Parliament, and no legal privileges. They would be purely symbolic.

Current Situation in New Zealand

New Zealand currently has a national honours system, such as the Order of New Zealand and the New Zealand Order of Merit. These awards are given for service in various fields, including community, business, and the arts. However, all current honours are personal to the recipient. There is no existing legal framework in New Zealand for titles that are inherited by family members. This petition is not driven by a recent scandal or law change, but rather by a proposal to expand the scope of how the country recognises long-term, generational impact.

Arguments in Favour

• Enduring Recognition: Proponents argue that some contributions (like major scientific breakthroughs or foundational community work) benefit society for generations, so the honour should reflect that longevity.
• Merit-Based Rarity: By limiting the number of awards strictly, supporters believe the prestige of the honour would remain high and distinct from common awards.
• No Political Power: The petition explicitly separates these honours from political office, aiming to avoid the historical issues associated with aristocracy while keeping the symbolic value.

Arguments Against

• Equality Concerns: Critics argue that hereditary titles contradict New Zealand’s strong egalitarian values and the principle that all citizens are equal before the law, regardless of birth.
• Unearned Privilege: Even without legal power, a hereditary title could create social prestige or "soft power" for descendants who did not earn the honour through their own service.
• Complexity and Cost: Establishing a new class of honours requires legal changes, independent scrutiny mechanisms, and administrative resources that may not be justified for a symbolic award.

Relevant Context

New Zealand abolished its own peerage system (which included hereditary titles) in 1950. Since then, the country has relied on non-hereditary honours. The petition does not seek to restore old political structures but proposes a modern, limited, and non-political version of such titles. The decision rests with the House of Representatives, who would need to consider if such a system aligns with New Zealand’s constitutional and social values. No specific law currently prohibits hereditary honours, but none exist to support them either.

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