REUTERS, Sydney

Former prime minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday received one of New Zealand’s top honours, recognising her efforts for leading the country through the Covid-19 crisis, the terror attacks on two Christchurch mosques and the White Island volcanic eruption. Ardern was named “Dame Grand Companion,” the second highest honour in New Zealand, on King Charles’ birthday holiday celebrated by the country on June 5, and she made the coronation honours list for this year. The awardee is usually chosen in New Zealand by the prime minister and then approved by the British monarch, the head of state.