Dame Malvina was supported by family members, including her 10 grandchildren.
She and is one of 40 New Zealanders celebrated for their achievements at ceremonies at this week.
The Hamilton-born singer has had a successful international career spanning 28 years and is also renowned a voice teacher and supporter of young artists.
Earlier this year she left Christchurch to take up a position as a teacher and ambassador at the University of Waikato.
Prominent fashion designer Pieter Stewart was also invested, as Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to fashion and the community.
The driving force behind New Zealand Fashion Week with more than 21 years in the industry, she hoped the recognition would help her to continue to promote New Zealand fashion.
"Today is quite overwhelming. It's an incredible honour," she said.
Dame Pieter founded Fashion Week in 2000 and remains its managing director. She also founded her own modelling agency, was associate editor of magazine Fashion Quarterly from 1985-87 and has been involved with several charitable and community groups.
Sir Jerry thanked the recipients for their work which he said had enriched the country.
Full list of recipients of this week's honours:
Dame Mabel June Hinekahukura Mariu, DNZM for services to Maori and the community
Neville Crichton, CNZM for services to yachting and business
Professor Christine Winterbourn, CNZM for services to science
Hon Simon Power, QSO for services as a Member of Parliament
Leon Blanchet, ONZM for services to athletics
Thomas Gerrard, ONZM for services to education
Colonel Hugh Trengrove, MNZM for services to forensic science
Stephanie Martin, MBE for services to children and families
Judith Eirene Finn, QSM for services to the community
Edward Matchitt, QSM for services to Maori
Nancy Merriman, QSM for services to the community
Kuan Cheong Yap, QSM for services to the community
Squadron Leader Aaron Douglas Benton, DSD for services to the NZDF
Hon Sir Michael Cullen, KNZM for services to the State
Anne Norman, CNZM for services to business
David Norman, CNZM for services to business
Wayne Smith, CNZM for services to rugby
Emeritus Professor Peter Bergquist, ONZM for services to science
Brian Hight, ONZM for services to agricultural publishing
John Pule, ONZM for services as an author, poet and painter
John Thomas, MNZM for services to surf life saving
Dr Robert Morrison, MNZM for services to medicine and the community
Lenh Phong Chin, QSM for services to the Chinese community
Sister Marie Fitzpatrick, QSM for services to the community
Dr Adriana Gunder, QSM for services to the community
Davinder Singh Rahal, QSM for services to the Indian community
Tavale Tanuvasa, QSM for services to education
Dame Malvina Major, ONZ for services to New Zealand
Dame Pieter Stewart, DNZM for services to fashion and the community
Professor Peter Skegg, CNZM for services to medical law
Richard Guy, ONZM for services to rugby
Robert Stanic, ONZM for services to the community
John Gibson, MNZM for services to engineering and the community
Dr James Judson, MNZM for services to intensive care medicine
Ruahine Albert, QSM for services to Maori and the community
Professor Glyn Harper, QSM for services to historical research
Hemi Hema, QSM for services to the deaf
Ariana Simpson, QSM for services to Maori and the community
Mujeeb Syed, QSM for services to the Muslim community
