Ōpōtiki's Josephine (Josie) Hinehou Mortensen believes she has always been part of a great team.
She says she has popped up from the middle of the team to be included in the Queen's Birthday 2019 Honours list.
Mortensen is to receive the Queen's Service Medal for services to Māori and the arts.
"I am chuffed, surprised but definitely chuffed to have been singled out for recognition," Mortensen said.
Born and bred in the Eastern Bay, Mortensen was schooled at what was then the Ōpōtiki District School before moving to Auckland to attend Elam School of Fine Arts at Auckland University.