Legal mind Liz Henry thought she had been scammed when she received the email congratulating her on becoming a recipient of the King’s Service Medal.

Carol Angland, who actively served her South Canterbury community for more than 50 years, is delighted theatre has been recognised as important for the wellbeing of the community.

Not ones to draw attention to themselves, Tee Trow (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Hapu Rakiura) says New Year Honours for herself and her husband Russel are "overwhelming".

Jonathan Usher is a man of tricks — some old, some new.

Talk with Tony Quinn and family, contributing to society and quality public toilets dominate the chat.

A lifelong sporting and community volunteer says he is most proud of what he has made happen, as a whole, and that it carries on.

Queenstown woman Ella Wilson says she wanted to cry when she was found out she had been recognised in the New Year Honours list, for her work in the community and theatre.

Three anglers had fishing gear seized by Otago Fish & Game rangers on Lake Dunstan on Monday.

"This is not what we ordered from Santa this year."