David Baker JP was part-way through his North American holiday and on a cruise ship when he received an email to say he had been honoured as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Speaking to the Times-Age from Canada yesterday, Mr Baker wanted to hear who else in Wairarapa had received an honour - and was delighted to hear how many had.
For himself, he said he was "absolutely chuffed".
"I feel honoured and humbled."
Mr Baker came to Wairarapa 45 years ago and established Baker and Associates in Masterton in 1986, after working as a farm management consultant and registered valuer since 1969.