No sir, says Mr Castle
By STEPHEN FORBES - Western Leader
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Sir Len Castle? No chance, says the 84-year-old internationally renowned potter and ceramics artist.
Mr Castle became a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2004, four years after knighthoods were scrapped by the Labour government.
But Prime Minister John Key has reintroduced the titular scheme and is giving those who missed out the chance to be sirs or dames.
A number of high profile Kiwis have jumped at the chance and will receive formal recognition of their new titles at a special ceremony today in Wellington.
Among them will be former prime minister Jenny Shipley, ex-All Black Colin Meads and running great Peter Snell.
But Mr Castle won’t be there. "I received the letter a few months ago offering me the opportunity to accept or decline a title," the Glen Eden resident says.
"But I believe Mr Key has made a retrograde step with this re-attachment to the hem of the royal petticoat.
"The honours system should be for New Zealanders as New Zealanders."
The father of one has been making pottery since 1947 and has exhibited his works around the world.
He received a New Zealand Commemorative Medal in 1990 and was awarded a distinguished alumni award from the University of Auckland in 2004.
His life and work feature in a book published by Lopdell House gallery late last year. Len Castle: Making the Molecules Dance won the illustrative category at last month’s Montana Book Awards.
Mr Castle isn’t the only esteemed Kiwi to turn down a knighthood. Others include actor Sam Neill, Maori activist and author Ranginui Walker, novelists Witi Ihimaera and Patricia Grace and former Labour MP Margaret Wilson.
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I'm so glad there are wonderful, sane, people like Len Castle in the world. He is a great inspiration.