- Queen's Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours
- Cullen happy to accept knighthood - and a razzing
- Otago Queen's Birthday Honours
As the countries of the Commonwealth celebrate the Queen's 60th year on the Throne today, so too is someone on the other side of the world.
In fact, he is alongside the Queen.
Prince Philip joins three others added today as Additional Members of the Order of New Zealand, the highest honour in the land, for their services to the country.
Naturally, the Duke of Edinburgh will be beside the Queen in London as her Diamond Jubilee is celebrated.
Senior civil servant Dame Margaret Bazley, The Lord of the Rings director Sir Peter Jackson, and opera singer Dame Malvina Major join Prince Philip as Additional Members of the Order of New Zealand.
The additional members are honoured alongside the Order's ordinary membership, which is restricted to 20 living people at any one time.
Sports people, a chef and a Conchord are among the dozens of other New Zealanders, some well-known, others not, honoured today for their contributions to society.
All Black great John Kirwan, who went on to coach the Italian and Japanese national teams, received a knighthood for his work as a spokesman and campaigner on mental-health issues.
He had to break the news to his son Luca today that he would not be a prince.
Former New Zealand netball captain June Mariu, a vocal advocate for Maori welfare, turned 80 on Friday and today celebrates again after being made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Michael Cullen was the deputy prime minister in the Labour government that abolished the very knighthoods one of which he has now accepted.
But Sir Michael was unrepentant about accepting the honour of a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and the title that comes with it.
"Bluntly, I wasn't the most enthusiastic supporter of what we did.
"I wasn't surprised that the public strongly supported the reinstatement of the knighthoods in 2009," he said, accepting the honour for his services to the State.
No-one living in the South is among those receiving the most senior honours.
Oscar-winner Bret McKenzie has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
And the actor has already planned a special place for his medal.
"This can go up next to the Oscar, which is currently next to the nappy cream on top of the piano," McKenzie said.
The talented Kiwi, and one half of the folk comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, has been recognised for his contribution to music and film.
Psychologist and TV star Nigel Latta said he was humbled to receive a Queen's Service Medal and celebrity chef Al Brown was honoured for his cooking contributions.
Several business leaders have been honoured for their contributions to the industry, including champion sailor and automotive mogul Neville Crichton, former NZX chief executive Mark Weldon and chief economist Roderick Dean.
Other sports people to be recognised include All Blacks head coach Steven Hansen, Chiefs assistant coach Wayne Smith, New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Mike Eagle, netball stalwart Robyn Broughton and former Silver Ferns star Temepara George.
