Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Made Dame For Exceptional Leadership During Crisis

Jacinda Ardern,former Prime Minister of New Zealand, was made a Dame Grand Companion, the second-highest honor in New Zealand, for her service leading the country through a mass shooting and pandemic.
Ardern was recognized for her leadership during the 2019 terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, which were some of the greatest challenges faced by the country in modern times.
She led major changes to New Zealand's gun laws by banning assault weapons and oversaw a subsequent buyback scheme.
Ardern will be temporarily joining Harvard University later this year after being appointed to dual fellowships at the Harvard Kennedy School and has taken on an unpaid role combatting online extremism.
Other notable figures recognized in the King's Birthday Honors list include rugby coach Wayne Smith and Britain's Queen Camilla, who was appointed to the Order of New Zealand.