[1][2] In 2017 Staples was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government, in recognition of her promotion of Japanese–New Zealand friendship and mutual understanding.

[1] After retiring from the mayoralty in 2016 she ran for a position on the Greater Wellington Regional Council,[5] where she was elected deputy-chair.

[10] In the 2017 New Year Honours, Staples was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to local government.

[11] The citation mentioned that Staples oversaw the completion of the redevelopment of Greytown's historic town hall, and the formation of the Cross Creek to Featherston cycle trail.

[12] Later in 2017, Staples was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by the Japanese government, in recognition of her promotion of Japanese–New Zealand friendship and mutual understanding.