"The Honourable"

In August 2010, the Queen approved the following rules for the grant, use and retention of the title "The Honourable" in New Zealand.

Rules for the grant, use and retention of the title "The Honourable" in New Zealand

Her Majesty the Queen has approved the following rules for the grant, use and retention of the title "The Honourable" in New Zealand.

1. The title "The Honourable" (abbreviated to "The Hon.") may be used by the following persons while they hold office, if they do not enjoy the right to use the title "The Right Honourable":
   1. Members of the Executive Council
   2. Judges of the High Court of New Zealand (including Judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal)
2. On relinquishment of or retirement from office, the holders of the offices referred to in rule 1 shall be eligible to be recommended for retention of the title "The Honourable" for life.
3. The Governor-General may, under authority delegated by The Queen and on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, approve the retention of the title "The Honourable" for life by the holders of the offices referred to in rule 1.
4. These rules do not affect the rights enjoyed by any person who, before the date of signature of these rules, was entitled to use the title "The Honourable".
5. The Governor-General may, under authority delegated by The Queen and on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, remove the right of any person referred to in rule 3 to use the title "The Honourable".

The rules relating to the grant, use and retention of the title "The Honourable" in New Zealand that were approved by Her Majesty The Queen in 2006 are hereby revoked.

Click here to see a current list of New Zealanders who have been granted the use of the title "The Honourable" for life.