Legendary New Zealand actor Sam Neill has been awarded a knighthood in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to film".
New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro bestowed the honour upon Neill, 75, in a ceremony this morning, taking his 2006 New Zealand Order of Merit to "its equivalent honour, a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit."
According to the Governor General's Facebook post, Neill's new title was approved by the late Queen Elizabeth earlier this year.
Neill, who was born in Ireland but moved to Christchurch where he attended Christ's College, is best known for his starring roles in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park and Jane Campion's film The Piano.