Mr Cull said the city would be far poorer without the extensive efforts of those recognised in the latest honours.
Among the 30 people present were 12 Dunedin residents who had received honours for their contributions to various endeavours, as well as spouses, partners, family members, Dunedin City Council staff and councillors.
Mr Cull said his first reaction to the honours awarded to Dunedin residents was of pride.
''Pride that our community has more than its share of people like yourselves, who go beyond the duties of their working and personal lives and give so much extra to, and for, the wider community - sometimes with little fanfare and even less acknowledgement,'' he said.
Mr Cull said honours recipients set an example for the city's citizens, and continued the New Zealand tradition of selfless community service.
