New Zealand today has five new knights and two new dames in a Queen's Birthday Honours list, which includes Kiwis from all walks of life.
Gongs have been handed to top legal luminaries, educationists, businesspeople and shining lights of the arts world. The five new knights are Sir Robert Fenwick, for services to conservation and business, Sir Michael Friedlander, for philanthropy, Sir Christopher Mace, science and education, Sir Matiu Te Rei, Maori, and Sir Ronald Young, judiciary.
Fellow High Court judge Ellen France becomes a dame today, also for services to the judiciary, as does Karen Sewell, recognising the former education secretary's commitment to the sector.
Some Kiwis are almost better known overseas than at home and film-maker Finola Dwyer, who becomes an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, is pleased she hasn't been forgotten here.
She made history this year for being part of the first female producing team to be nominated twice for Best Picture at the Oscars. She also won a Bafta for producing the film Brooklyn, adapted from a popular Irish novel.
Dwyer has produced an array of international films, after beginning her career in New Zealand television, including a stint at Country Calendar.
"It means everything. Recognition of this kind from my homeland, when I've been away far longer than I could have ever imagined, means I'm not forgotten," she said of her honour.
Billie Jordan's creativity was also acknowledged, as she becomes a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to seniors and dance.
After the Christchurch earthquake she left the corporate world, moved to Waiheke Island, taught herself hip hop dancing and turned senior citizens into nimble-footed dance exponents.
The "world's oldest flashmob" she put together holds a place in the Guinness World Record pantheon and has attracted millions of views on YouTube.
Another dance exponent - Neil Ieremia, founder of dance company Black Grace - is made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Aucklander Lexie Matheson becomes an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to performing arts, education and LGBTIQ rights.
She was once beaten up by police because she used to be a man - for more than half a century she was Lex Matheson.
She's come a long way from a tough childhood and is now writing a doctoral thesis on the history of karate in New Zealand. She's not bad away from the keyboard either, holding a black belt.
Dr Peetikuia Bessie Wainui has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Maori, health and education.
Our sports stars haven't been left out in the cold, among them former All Whites captain Steve Sumner, who has been made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
The 61-year-old, who captained the nation's football team during their famous 1982 World Cup campaign, is battling prostate cancer, but still recalls the team's amazing 15-game qualifying run: "It defied belief."
The team are still mates, and coach John Adshead, who had prostate cancer surgery himself more than 10 years ago, regularly keeps in touch.
"When team members get together, it's like a band of long-lost brothers," Sumner says.
Two NZME staff members have also been honoured. Former NZ women's cricket captain, Olympic hockey rep and Christchurch-based Newstalk ZB broadcaster Lesley Murdoch becomes an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport. As well as her on-field career, Murdoch has been a long-time administrator.
Another ZB broadcaster, Barry Holland, becomes a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Holland has been on air for 53 years. He fronted popular TV shows Top Town and On the Mat and broadcast from the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
