A Napier Boys' High School old boy awarded the Queen's Service Medal for his services to pipe bands dedicated it to the man who "gave the bagpipes to me" - his father.
Playing since the age of 5, Murray Mansfield is one of New Zealand's top bagpipers who has played with seven pipe bands, is a multi-time winner of premier solo piping competitions, and whose music has been heard around the world.
"Mum and Dad both played bagpipes, so not playing wasn't really an option," he said. "It was just a big part of my life growing up."
As well as playing in nine World Championships in Scotland, Mr Mansfield's accolades include being the lone piper at Sir Edmund Hillary's funeral, and at the 90th anniversary and centenary Anzac Day ceremonies at Gallipoli.
He also composes pieces, such as the lament he played at the centenary called We Will Remember Them.