Three new dames and three new knights have been appointed in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
The highest honour is given to Sir Peter Gluckman, the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, who is added to the Member of the Order of New Zealand. Membership to the honour is limited to a maximum of 20 living people at one time.
Three men and three women are receiving the second highest honour on the list of 188 recipients for 2015.
The three Dames of The New Zealand Order of Merit are Auckland City Missioner Diane Robertson, businesswoman and arts patron Bronwen Holdsworth, and Therese Walsh, who headed New Zealand's 2015 Cricket World Cup Campaign.
Diane Robertson Photo: Supplied
Diane Robertson has been the Auckland City Missioner for 17 years, working with poverty-stricken and homeless people.
Ms Robertson has initiated food bank research projects, run Christmas appeals, and driven numerous campaigns to raise awareness of child poverty and homelessness.
Bronwen Holdsworth Photo: Supplied
She said it had been an incredible journey to get where she was now and this award gave her hope that people from all backgrounds could achieve great things.
Bronwen Holdsworth and her husband established Pultron Composites in 1983, which has grown into the largest composite materials and technology pultrusion company in Australasia.
She has also played a large role in the development of the arts in Gisborne.
She said being appointed Dame was surprising and exciting, and her colleagues and friends would be delighted that someone from the Gisborne region was being acknowledged.
Therese Walsh Photo: Supplied
Leading sports administrator Therese Walsh has been a director of New Zealand Cricket since 2011, and was appointed head of New Zealand for this year's Cricket World Cup.
She had previously been chief operating officer for the Rugby World Cup, as well as holding a senior role with the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Listen to Therese Walsh on RNZ's Queen's Birthday programme with Jesse Mulligan
Dr Pita Sharples, Peter Talley and Jim McLay have been made Knights of The New Zealand Order of Merit.
Pita Sharples Photo: Supplied
Pita Sharples, one of the founders of the Maori Party, has been recognised for his services as a Member of Parliament and to Maori.
He has a PhD from the University of Auckland in Anthropology and Linguistics.
Jim Mclay Photo: Supplied
Jim McLay is being knighted for his services to business and state.
Mr McLay was New Zealand's permanent representative to the United Nations from June 2009 to May 2015.
Last year he played a key role leading New Zealand's successful bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Peter Talley Photo: Supplied
Peter Talley is being appointed a Knight of The New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business and philanthropy.
Mr Talley is a joint managing director of Talleys Group Limited, one of New Zealand's leading producers of primary food goods.
He has spent his lifetime promoting the employment of New Zealanders in the fishing industry, including attempts to place Foreign Charter Vessels under the control of New Zealand labour laws.