The 70-year-old was the host of Radio New Zealand's Morning Report for all but three years since the programme's inception in 1975 until April this year.
He has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to public broadcasting.
Robinson is out of the country on holiday, so will be celebrating his honour abroad this Queen's Birthday weekend.
However, in an email, the veteran broadcaster said he was happy with the honour.
"It's a very nice recognition of a long career in public broadcasting, and as much a tribute to the many Radio New Zealand staff I have worked alongside as to myself," he said.
Robinson's dulcet tones eased listeners into the big stories of the day every morning for more than 30 years, and he hosted election night specials in 1978, 1981, 1984, 1987 and 1990.
In recent years he made trips to China, Korea, Vietnam, the US, and the UK to make programmes. In 2002 he became the first New Zealand broadcaster to travel into North Korea.
He was presented with a special award for outstanding contribution to radio at the 2007 New Zealand Radio Awards.
- By Patrice Dougan of APNZ
