'It has just been a lifetime passion. I can't see my life without it.'

John Taylor has been dedicated to the disability sector for more than 35 years.

Vegetable-growing, IT, a four-day week, journalism: honours for leaders in their fields.

The health professional is proud to have helped give Pacific people a voice.

The Waipukurau dry-stock farmer and media identity receives an ONZM.

The life member has held almost every role in the brigade since signing up in 1972.

More than 180 honoured, including former PM, All Blacks coach, investigative journalist.

The conservation leader has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

'You don't think about why you're doing this stuff, you just do it, it's good fun.'

The plight of the kukupa, or native pigeon, sparked Prime's life's work.

Richard Dunkerton is approaching 50 years of swimming coaching.

Dianne Buchan has been a volunteer all her life and has received a Queen's Service Medal.

News snippets from across Northland and the surrounds.

Professor Rangi Mātāmua is a major finalist for New Zealander of the Year

The man who led NZ's Covid-19 response in a pandemic has now been knighted to become Sir Ashley Bloomfield. Video / Marty Melville

Janine Morrell-Gunn has made children's content for New Zealand screens for over 35 years.

Newly appointed Dame Sophie Pascoe opens up to NZME's Jason Pine about how she found out about her new title and what's ahead for the Paralympic champion. Video / NZ Herald / Photosport

Newly appointed Dame Lisa Carrington opens up to NZ Herald Focus' Cheree Kinnear on a hectic 2021, reconnecting with family after Tokyo plus what's ahead for her as she commits for another Olympic cycle. Video / Andrew Warner / Photosport

The appointments to Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit come after New Zealand's unprecedented success in the Cricket World Cup at home in February and March.

In a year full of accolades, Louise Nicholas could be forgiven for getting emotional when she read she was in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

If each new vintage is like a newborn baby, then Nick Nobilo who today is appointed an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit has a lot of children to keep track of.

Displaying leadership skills beyond his rank and compassion for fellow soldiers were just two of the reasons behind the Queen's Birthday Honour for Staff Sergeant Rob McGee.

New Zealand has three new dames, three more knights and one appointment to the Order of New Zealand in the Queen's Birthday Honours announced today.

See the full list of New Zealanders honoured in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

Fishing magnate Peter Talley is a joint managing director of the Motueka-based Talley's Group. He was appointed Knight companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

An act of skill and courage has earned Lieutenant Simon Wasley a Queen's Birthday Honour.

Sir Peter Gluckman has spent a lifetime in laboratories, but his biggest breakthroughs took place over a pint of cold beer at the pub.

Her alter ego's name, "Nano Girl", was coined by schoolchildren but top scientist Dr Michelle Dickinson may be more of a superhero than she gives herself credit for.

Ta Pita Sharples is the first to acknowledge an honour bestowed by the Queen is not the most traditional of Maori ceremonies.

Keith Stanton has been a strong leader and mentor in the business community. he was appointed to a member of the New Zealand Order Of Merit.