He was stunned by the award, Price said.
"It is truly humbling for a Kiwi to nominate me for such an honour, for an Australian to be recognised in New Zealand in this way," he said.
The player retired -- aged 36 -- during the 2010 NRL season after a glittering career marked by 15 Tests for Australia, 28 State of Origin appearances for Queensland (the most by any forward in the competition's history), 313 NRL games (222 for the Bulldogs and 91 for the Vodafone Warriors) and an appearance as an "honorary New Zealander" for the All Golds in 2007.
Captaining of the Vodafone Warriors from 2005-2009 - the longest-serving leader in the club's history - Price was prevented by injury from extending his NRL career in 2010, but remained in New Zealand with his family.
"From the moment we arrived in Auckland, we've loved living in New Zealand," he said today.
"I am very proud (of this honour)"
Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said Price had been called the most popular Australian in New Zealand "and this award proves why," he said.
"He gave tremendous service to the Vodafone Warriors as a captain and a player, making his mark from the moment he joined the club for the 2005 season".
Price left the Bulldogs to join the Vodafone Warriors following the club's worst-ever season and helped rebuild it to become one of the league's best.
He mentored less experienced players, and in 2006 led the team with honesty and integrity while it was investigated by the National Rugby League over salary cap breaches. In 2007 he was awarded Captain of the Year and Prop of the Year at the Dally M Awards.
Price's award follows similar recognition in recent years for his former club-mates and Kiwi legends Stacey Jones and Ruben Wiki while Vodafone Warriors ambassador - the club's 19th man - was knighted in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.
