New Zealand football stars get national honours

WELLINGTON - Veteran golfer Sir Bob Charles and the coach and captain of New Zealand’s undefeated football team in the World Cup finals starred in the national new year honours list released Friday.

Charles, 74, who was knighted in 1999, was made a member of the Order of New Zealand, the country’s highest honour, which is limited to 20 living citizens.

Ricki Herbert, who coached the national team at only its second appearance in the World Cup finals, having played in the first in Spain in 1982, was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Ryan Nelsen, who captained the side, becomes an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.