Wellington, Dec 30, NZPA - New Zealand this year lost two members of its most exclusive club.

Established in 1987, the Order of New Zealand is the country's highest honour, recognising "outstanding service to the Crown and the people".

Although it carries no title, appointment to this unique little group -- it is restricted to 20 "ordinary" living members at any one time -- normally signals a contribution to society of extraordinary merit.

The two members who died this year, Dr Ivan Lichter, 91, in June and Dame Doreen Blumhardt, 95, in October, clearly deserved their honour.

Dr Lichter's citation noted that the retired thoracic surgeon was regarded as one of the founders of palliative care and the modern hospice movement here.

"He has devoted his life to this branch of medicine, improving the standards of care for terminally ill patients and changing attitudes to death and dying."

Dame Doreen was one of New Zealand's foremost potters and worked as a ceramicist and arts educator for 70 years. Her work is held by galleries worldwide.

In 2003 she set up the Blumhardt Foundation, established to foster, support, collect, and display the best examples of decorative arts and design in New Zealand.

The sudden death on September 24 of Maori singer-entertainer Sir Howard Morrison, 74, was greeted with widespread sadness and a sense of loss. He entertained a couple of generations of New Zealanders and appealed to all sections of the community.

He was easy going and immensely popular and his funeral in Rotorua was an extraordinary affair.

If proof were needed that New Zealanders are living longer lives than ever before, the list below provides evidence. A simply amazing number of people are lasting well in to their 80s and 90s -- and even beyond.

New Zealand lives of note, 2009:

January

4 - Sonny Fai, 20. Warriors league player, drowned off an Auckland west coast beach.

7 - Roy Kennerley, 85. DSIR concrete specialist and leading Wellington church musician.

9 - Vincente Major, 90. Opera singer, later teacher, whose talent was described as "astonishing"; she gave up the chance of international stardom as a soprano for family life.

12 - Dr Paratene Ngata, 61. Inspirational Gisborne GP known for his work for Maori health.

19 - Mike Parkinson, 60. Early 70s All Black midfield back.

21 - Dr Alan Fair, OBE, 87. Skilled doctor who spent 54 years working in Tokyo.

27 - Don Ladner, 60. Kiwis' long-range, rugby league goal-kicking fullback 1969-70.

28 - John Keaney, CBE, QSO, 77. Farmer who became first mayor of Rotorua District Council 1979, a job he held for almost 14 years.

February

6 - Wing Commander Warren "Smokey" Schrader, DFC and bar, 87. Outstanding WW2 fighter pilot who commanded RAF's only jet squadron in combat.

7 - Allan Dawson, Royal Victoria Medal, 95. Public Service driver who chauffeured five prime ministers, and the Queen.

13 - John (JVT) Baker, 96. Noted public servant, Government Statistician 1958-69, economist, author of official war history's War Economy.

March

2 - Robert Bruce, 65. Wrestler, who played the villain in the ring.

9 - Graham Mexted, 82. Wellington motor industry figure who played six games for the All Blacks at No 8.

10 - Dr Vaughan Crow, 60. World leader in microbiology of cheese ripening.

12 - Mary Batchelor, QSO, 82. Labour MP for Avon 1972-87.

13 - Geoff Moon, OBE, 93. Veterinarian who ranked as one of New Zealand's best nature photographers, especially of birds.

16 - Lt Col John Maling, 94. Timaru-born soldier who won the MC on northwest frontier pre-war and DSO in Burma WW2; later worked for the Security Intelligence Service.

18 - Gina Nathan, 49. National wool-handling champion.

19 - Darren Tyquin, 41. Race caller who came to NZ from Australia in 2000; killed in a car crash.

25 - Toy Natusch, MM, 90. Hawke's Bay farmer, WW2 soldier noted for numerous escapes, the last successful when he walked through Hungary, Yugoslavia to freedom.

26 - Peter Glen, MBE, 88. Founding member, principal horn NZ Symphony Orchestra 1947-82.

April

2 - Latham Andrews, 86. Noted earthquake engineer.

6 - Gr Capt Max Hope, 87. Commander 1951-54 NZ's first jet squadron - No 14 flying Vampires.

11 - Jim Brodie, OBE, 88. Scientist who helped found Oceanographic Institute which he led 1958-77, founder geological Society and helped found Marine Sciences Society.

11 - Harold Lusk, QC, 90. One of the dwindling band of NZ Battle of Britain pilots who flew Blenheims in that period; Palmerston North barrister post-war.

15 - Terry Herrick, DSC and bar. 97. World War 2 Royal Navy destroyer commander; member of a noted Hawke's Bay family which lost three sons in the air force,

21 - Phil Verry, 68. outspoken Rotorua businessman who headed Waipa Corporation.

23 - Eric Colbeck, 95. Dapper Yorkshire-born first head of the state-owned Tourist Hotel Corporation 1956-78.

24 - Tony Taylor, 72. Distinguished theatre director given credit as the driving force in transformation of NZ's theatre scene into a professional business in the 70s.

28 - John Bollard, 60. Head of the Environment Court.

May

3 - Percy Murphy, mid 80s. Maori businessmen, mayor of Murupara 1960-68; enlisted in 28 Maori Battalion when he was 16.

5 - Alex McKimm, 86. English-born boat builder whose Kapiti Coast plant designed, produced thousands of "Plylite" runabouts 1950s, 1960s.

12 - Dame Heather Begg, DNZM, OBE, 76. International opera star whose mezzo-soprano voice was acclaimed during a 50-year career.

17 - Erika Schorss, 100. German-born violinist who played in Dorothy Davies Trio, believed to be NZ's first professional chamber-music group; foundation member National Orchestra.

20 - Jack Wright, 85. Former Registrar General.

25 - Terry Sturm, CBE, 67. Prof. of English, Auckland University 1980-2005, editor, writer.

June

3 - Michael Thawley, 70. Presbyterian minister, General Assembly executive secretary, later Moderator for NZ.

8 - Taini Morrison, 51. Extraordinary kapa haka performer.

9 - Mary Dobbie, QSM, 95. Journalist, campaigner for social, community values.

12 - Dr Ivan Lichter, ONZ, 91. Thoracic surgeon, renowned specialist in hospice and palliative care.

18 - Bill Henderson, OBE, QFSM, 91. Liverpool-born fireman who arrived in NZ 1957 and is remembered as the "father" of today's NZ Fire Service.

20 - Emeritus Prof. Ron Crocombe, 79. Historian considered world's foremost authority on Pacific cultures.

24 - Sqn Ldr Colin Fraser 90. Airman who was detachment commander RNZAF aircrew who flew in the Berlin Airlift; later RNZAF Provost Marshal

26 - Emeritus Prof. Tom Paulay, 77. Eminent structural engineer who spent 28 years at Canterbury University's Dept of Civil Engineering.

26 - D'Arcy Whiting, 90. Businessman, noted yachtie who wrote the essential Coastal Cruising Handbook.

27 - Mahi Potiki, 84. Broadcaster, first Maori woman radio announcer late 1940s.

30 - Dr Joan Wiffen, CBE, 87. Acclaimed palaeontologist known as the Dinosaur Lady for her discovery of fossilised dinosaur bones in Hawke's Bay

July

8 - Barry Beazley, 80. Builder who pioneered pre-cut timber frames for NZ houses; son of founder of Beazley Homes, bought by Fletchers 1972.

14 - Bill Reeves, 85. Noted journalist, columnist who edited The Dominion; long-time correspondent for The Times, London.

14 - Bill Young, CMG, 95. National MP for Miramar 1966-81. Minister Works and Development, High Commissioner to UK 1982-85.

15 - Dr Seddon Bennington, 61. Head of national museum Te Papa, and friend Marcella Jackson, 54, found dead from hypothermia on tramping trip in Tararua Ranges.

18 - Ces Mountford, MBE, 90. Rugby league legend. West Coaster who captained Wigan post-war, then coached Warrington for a decade; established national coaching scheme here; later secretary NZRL, Kiwis coach 1979-82.

20 - Emeritus Prof. Hew McLeod, 76. Expert and writer on Sikh history, Punjabi migration to NZ.

20 - Doug Newey, 90. Seaman for 40 years before becoming Wellington Harbour Board launch master; his launch Arahina saved many during the 1968 Wahine disaster.

30 - Julian Dashper, 49. Artist described as one of NZ's "most consistent and challenging".

30 - Diggeress Te Kanawa, CNZM, 89. Internationally known master weaver, daughter of Dame Rangimarei Hetet, herself a celebrated weaver.

August

4 - Paddy O'Donnell, 65. Popular broadcaster who worked in radio and TV 40 years; perhaps best remembered as one of the first radio pirates on ship Tiri, challenging state radio monopoly with round-the-clock music.

7 - Eru Potaka-Dewes, 70. Ngati Porou scholar, theologian, defender of Maori rights.

8 - Tom Bridgman, 58. Former news editor, foreign correspondent NZ Press Assn; later media communications specialist.

9 - Bill Mackie, MBE, 92. Widely respected racing administrator who ran Auckland Racing Club for 33 years until 1986.

11 - Emeritus Prof. Peter McKelvey, 82. Founded Canterbury University's School of Forestry, led it 1967-85.

15 - Mike Taggart, 53. Auckland University law professor who retired 2008 because of illness.

16 - Alistair Campbell, 84. Award-winning poet, playwright, novelist.

19 - Barrie Jones, 88. Ophthalmologist; founding professor of clinical ophthalmology, University of London 1963-81; spent the rest of his working life on prevention of blindness in developing nations.

19 - Ray Lynskey, 54. World open-class gliding champion 1995; logged 8600 gliding hours.

22 - Dr Tui Adams, QSM, 77. Tainui kaumatua, noted orator.

22 - Maureen Brooker, MNZM, 75. Local body politician, first woman elected to the Auckland Harbour Board.

27 - Max Gunn, 94. Accountant and long-time shareholder activist who asked hard questions of companies.

28 - Sir Jack Harris, Bt, 103. Businessman, long-time chairman Bing, Harris & Co; founding member National Party.

September

4 - Anita Boon, 36. NZ Golfer of the Year 2001 and former NZ rep.

6 - Jon (correct) Hamilton, 84. Adventurer and engineer who drove jetpowered boats on several of the world's great rivers; son of jet-boat inventor Sir William Hamilton.

11 - John Pattison, DSO, DFC, 92. Battle of Britain pilot who later commanded 485 (NZ) Spitfire Squadron.

17 - Garry Ward, MNZM, 68. Sports writer, commentator (softball, 13 Olympic/Commonwealth Games), community newspapers managing editor, broadcaster noted for long-running Great Weekend Show, Newstalk ZB.

24 - Sir Howard Morrison, KBE, 74. Talented, popular singer-entertainer whose career soared after he established the Howard Morrison quartet 1957.

24 - Professor James Ritchie, 79. Psychologist. Waikato University academic, long-standing adviser to Tainui.

27 - Murray Smith, 68. Public Trust accountant, Labour MP Whangarei 1972-75, businessman, sec-gen Baha'i International Community secretariat 1994-2006.

27 - Millie Srhoj, MBE, QSM, 88. Long-serving local body politician who fought hard for Far North.

October

2 - Gordon Hunt, 91. Key figure in dramatic growth of Lincoln College (now University) as registrar 1949-76.

5 - Alan de Malmanche, MNZM, 86. Early TV announcer, actor and theatre director.

9 - Patrick Farry, MNZM, 65. Respected Queenstown GP who laboured to improve rural GP services.

11 - John Smart, 70. Father of Ben Smart whose 1997 mystery disappearance in the Marlborough Sounds with Olivia Hope, 17, gripped the nation.

14 - Martyn Sanderson, 71. Acclaimed actor, writer and producer/director in career of more than 40 years.

16 - Emeritus Prof. Alexander Rae, OBE, 86. Noted professor of animal science; winner of Marsden Medal for outstanding service to science.

17 - Dame Doreen Blumhardt, ONZ, DNZM, CBE, 95. Acclaimed potter, ceramicist, art educator who set up foundation to redevelop the Dowse gallery, Lower Hutt, and gave it her $1.5 million collection.

16 - Michael Parsons, 75. Global leader in the field of deaf education for children.

17 - Cyril Pasco, 92. Second last survivor of the famed WW2 Kiwi Concert Party.

21 - Arapeta Tahana, 64. Te Arawa leader, chairman for eight years of Te Arawa Maori Trust Board.

25 - Don Nyhan, 99. Horseman who trained pacing greats Johnny Globe and Lordship.

26 - Dr Robin Fancourt, CNZM, 63. New Plymouth paediatrician with a long-standing interest in abused, neglected, disadvantaged children; a founder of Brainwave Trust 1996.

31 - Tim Bickerstaff, 66. Versatile radio broadcaster, pioneer of talkback.

31 - Emeritus Prof. James Brown, 90. Fertility research pioneer and expert; in Melbourne where he had lived since 1962.

November

1 - Eric King-Turner, 104. NZ's oldest immigrant; 102 when he moved here from England with his NZ-born wife.

4 - Sir Don Beaven, KNZM, CBE, 84. Face and voice of medicine in Canterbury. Foundation Prof of Medicine, Christchurch Clinical School of Medicine 1970-89, pioneering developments in diabetes care; died in a fire at his bach on Banks Peninsula.

5 - Ralph Kermode, mid-70s. Former Harness Racing NZ president; manager of the syndicate that raced crack mare Blossom Lady.

12 - Wade Thompson, 69. NZ-born entrepreneur who made a fortune in the US recreational vehicle market; in New York where he had lived since 1967.

15 - Te Rongotoa (Tia) Barrett, 62. Diplomat. NZ High Commissioner to Cook Islands.

18 - Pat Mackie, 95. NZ-born miner, unionist and notorious leader of Australia's Mount Isa Mines strike 1964.

18 - Terence Nolan, DSO, 94. Lt Col of artillery in NZ Div WW2; post-war chief of Consolidated Plastics Ltd.

19 - Flt Sgt Andrew Forster, 46. Airman who specialised in armaments, bomb disposal; killed when an unexploded artillery shell detonated at Waiouru.

23 - Fred Silberstein, QSM, 80. Auschwitz survivor, who testified at the Nuremberg trials, spent years educating NZers about Holocaust horrors.

December

4 - John Rutledge, 68. Former Ministry of Works civil engineer who led Optus Consulting after privatisation.

6 - Eldred Stebbing, 88. Recording pioneer who founded a studio in Auckland 1950s, recorded Howard Morrison quartet, Ray Columbus, others.

8 - Bub Bridger, 85. Poet, short story writer; noted live performer.

17 - Doug Hawker, 93. WW2 bomber pilot, flew 35 raids, won DFC.

28 - Hugh Price, 80. Writer, publisher, bookseller, made member of New Zealand Order of Merit this year.

29 - Helen Bain, 38. Award-winning journalist, former Sunday Star-Times political editor; swept away when her horse fell crossing a Wairarapa river.