Pride for Punjabi Media:Harjinder Singh Basiala Included in the King’s Service Medal (KSM) Honours List

 Basiala is a senior overseas team member of  Babushahi News Network, Tirchhi Nazar Media working from NZ  for the last many years.

By Baljit Balli

AUCKLAND/ Chandigarh, December 31, 2025: 

Auckland / Chandigarh , December 31, 2025:
In a moment of pride for Punjabi media worldwide, NRI journalist Harjinder Singh Basiala will be honoured with New Zealand’s prestigious King’s Service Medal (KSM) in the 2026 New Year Honours List. Among several recipients of Indian origin, Mr. Basiala—Editor of New Zealand’s first online Punjabi news platform Punjabi Herald, Senior team member of Babushahi News Network( TNM) India, a Justice of the Peace (JP) and a Marriage Celebrant—has earned recognition for his outstanding service to the community. Dedicating the honour to the entire Punjabi media fraternity, Mr. Basiala expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisations and individuals who nominated and supported him for this distinguished award.

Every year on the occasion of the New Year, the Governor-General of New Zealand announces honours for individuals who have rendered distinguished services to the community. With the arrival of the 2026 New Year, the New Year Honours List has been released, which includes the King’s Service Medal (KSM).

This is a significant occasion to recognise individuals who have made extraordinary contributions through their service, achievements, and dedication to their communities, the nation, or at a global level. The list not only includes well-known public figures but also honours many “unsung heroes” who work quietly for the betterment of society. The list was officially released today at 5:00 AM (NZ Time).

Baljit Balli, Editor-in-Chieg Babushahi News Network has congratulated Basial for this rare achievement .

Letter of Congratulations from the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, sent a congratulatory letter to Mr. Harjinder Singh Basiala on his selection for the King’s Service Medal.

What is the New Zealand Honours List?

The New Year Honours List is part of the New Zealand Royal Honours system. It is primarily divided into several orders and awards, including:

• The Order of New Zealand (ONZ)

• The New Zealand Order of Merit (NZOM)

• The King’s Service Order (KSO)

• The King’s Service Medal (KSM)

The King’s Service Medal (KSM): Recognising Community Service

The King’s Service Medal (KSM) is a highly respected honour in New Zealand. It is awarded to individuals who have performed valuable voluntary service to the community or have served with distinction in the public sector. It is a vital part of the New Zealand honours system, recognising the tireless efforts and dedication of New Zealanders.

History and Evolution

The King’s Service Medal, formerly known as the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM), was established by Queen Elizabeth II on 13 March 1975, following a review of the British honours system and New Zealand’s need for its own distinct honours. Following the accession of King Charles III, the name was changed to the King’s Service Medal on 3 May 2024. Recipients honoured before this date continue to use the post-nominal QSM, while those awarded after June 2024 use KSM.

Criteria for Selection

The medal is primarily awarded for valuable contributions in two areas:

Voluntary Service to the Community:
For individuals who have worked selflessly for the welfare of their community. This includes social work, charitable contributions, leadership of local clubs or groups, or support in any voluntary capacity.

Public Service:
For those who have provided exemplary service through public sector roles.

Brief Biography: Harjinder Singh Basiala

S. Harjinder Singh, also known as Harjinder Singh Basiala, has been a dedicated writer, columnist, and journalist for over 32 years. His contribution to the New Zealand Punjabi community is exceptional, and his commitment to promoting the Punjabi language and culture is truly commendable. He translates and produces important news content in Punjabi, publishing it through his online newspaper to ensure the Punjabi-speaking community remains informed about new laws, immigration changes, and government announcements.

In addition to his media work, he serves as a Justice of the Peace (JP), a Marriage Celebrant, and is a qualified interpreter from the Unitec Institute of Technology.

Career and Achievements

In 2009, he launched Punjabi Herald, New Zealand’s first daily-updated online Punjabi newspaper, which is now in its 16th year. The platform has become a vital source of information for the community and stands as a testament to his vision and dedication.

Professional Background:
With over 32 years of experience, he previously worked with Ajit in Jalandhar, the world’s largest Punjabi newspaper.

Awards:
In April 2021, he was honoured with the “Service to Punjabi Media Award” by the Akal Foundation New Zealand. In 2011, he was nominated for the “Sikhs in Media” award at the Sikh Awards in London, UK.

Community Service:
He has served as a member of the Papakura Police Advisory Team. During the inaugural New Zealand Sikh Games, he worked tirelessly to promote the event internationally. By the 5th edition of the Games, he released a commemorative postage stamp and continues to support the organisers voluntarily.

Promoting Language and Culture

Mr. Basiala’s dedication to his mother tongue reached a significant milestone in 2020 when, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, he pioneered the first-ever Punjabi Language Week in New Zealand. This initiative has played a crucial role in preserving the language for younger generations.

He also produced and distributed a historical magazine during the Sikh Games and provided Punjabi alphabet learning resources to help children connect with their cultural roots. In 2021, he released a Punjabi Language postage stamp symbolising the shared heritage of Indian and Pakistani Punjabi communities.

Public Service

Since 2017, he has served the community as a Justice of the Peace, offering his services at Gurdwaras, workplaces, and private homes when required. In addition, he serves as a Customer Service Ambassador at the help desks of both Auckland International and Domestic Airports.