Hon Sir Don McKinnon

Hon Sir Donald McKinnon was the Commonwealth Secretary General from 2000 to 2008. Prior to this, he served 21 years in politics, including presiding as Deputy Prime Minister from 1990 to 1996, Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1990 to 1999, and Leader of the House of Representatives from 1992 to 1996.

Among his many awards and accolades, Sir Donald was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Victorian Order in 2009 for services to the Commonwealth. The New Zealand Government also awarded him its highest honour, Order of New Zealand in 2007.

Sir Donald was named New Zealander of the Year in 2003 by The NZ Society in London.

He was also named Foreign Minister of the Year in 1998 by The World Economic Forum and he was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his work to peacefully resolve the war on Bougainville in Papua New Guinea.