Paul Holmes’ health failed rapidly during 2012, and the government hurriedly arranged for him to be knighted as it became clear he would not recover. The ceremony, at his Hawke’s Bay home on 17 January 2013, was conducted by Governor-General Jerry Mateparae, while family and friends looked on. ‘I want everyone to call me Sir’, Holmes told the press, ‘I’m unashamed.’ He died two weeks later.