''Merci,'' Dr Leurquin said, as the French Ambassador to New Zealand pinned the medal to her chest.
But it was her more complex work to promote French language and culture with Alliance Francaise Dunedin, and her role as Dunedin's honorary French consul for the past decade, that helped win her the award.
Dr Leurquin was presented with the medal last night at the University of Otago, where she is a teaching fellow in the French programme.
Her research focuses on the literature of the French-speaking Pacific islands, with a particular interest in the literature of New Caledonia.
French Ambassador to New Zealand Florence Jeanblanc-Risler said Dr Leurquin served the 283 French citizens on the consular register, an ''at times thankless task''.
She was a committee member for Alliance Francaise, and had been federation president of the organisation for a five-year period.
The National Order of Merit rewarded civilians and members of the military for services to the French nation, and was founded in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle.
Dr Leurquin said she was told a year ago in a letter she was to receive the award.
''I didn't think it was for me, I thought it was a mistake.
''I had to look up what it was.''
However, she felt ''very honoured'' to receive it.
''I'm still not sure I deserve it,'' she said.
