Dear Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet,

I am seeking information regarding the protocol in New Zealand regarding Knighthood.

The Wikipedia article on Knighthood states "A knight is a person granted an honorary title of knighthood by a monarch, bishop or other political leader for service to the monarch or a Christian Church, especially in a military capacity".

If a Knighthood is granted by an ordained Catholic Bishop in New Zealand for services to the Church, is this recognised as a Knighthood in the same sense that Knighthoods granted to New Zealanders for service to the community are?

Does a New Zealander who has been Knighted by a Catholic Bishop for services to the Church inherit the right to be called 'sir' and could they use this title when say for example booking an airline ticket or creating a bank account? Would they be afforded the same privileges of their secular equivalent?

Also, what privileges does a recognised Knighthood in New Zealand actually bestow on the recipient?

Yours faithfully,

Oliver Sanderson.