Barbara Cunningham, from Mataura, northeast of Invercargill, was presented with the annual award at Government House in Wellington this evening.
A former midwife, Ms Cunningham has become known in the township for setting up a hugely successful community garden to help those who cannot afford or grow vegetables.
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, who presented the award, said her citation told a story of someone who had taken on the responsibility to make her community better.
"Your care and concern for others, your commitment to your community, your ability to bring people together and your courage in seeing projects through makes you the embodiment of the Anzac spirit,'' he said.
People in the Mataura township, population 1500, had described her as "the backbone that every community needs'' and "a God-sent doer in a sea of talkers''.
Sir Jerry said the Anzac of the Year award recognised ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
"It's an ethos that may have been forged in battle but still offers enormous value in 21st century New Zealand,'' he said.
Ms Cunningham's citation said she had lived in Mataura for 33 years.
She developed the idea of a community garden out of concern that many people, in particular poorer households, did not know how to grow plants.
Thanks to support from council and local business, the garden has now grown into an institution and an important source of groceries for those who cannot afford them at the supermarket.
The Mataura Community Garden later took over the provision of Meals on Wheels in the town after discovering the meals were pre-made and frozen before delivery.
The service now provides fresh, locally made meals and has been extended to the whole community, not just elderly residents.
"Barbara lives her life in the spirit of the Anzac,'' the citation said.
"She is a community-minded, compassionate, driven individual.''
The award is given each year to a New Zealander who "embodies the Anzac spirit''.
Last year's recipient was women's rights campaigner Louise Nicholas.
