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.

As well as her work with Pultron and as its managing director, Bronwen Holdsworth has made a significant contribution to the cultural and artistic development of Gisborne.

Lesley Elliott's daughter Sophie was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend in their family home in Dunedin in 2008.

Douglas "Doug" McKay has had leadership roles in some of New Zealand's largest companies. He was appointed to Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

A recurring criticism of this country is that it fails to acknowledge the importance of its business leaders.

For all the accolades earned during a decorated career, this was one honour that basketballer Dillon Boucher found overwhelming.

Everyday happenings can sometimes be the beginning of extraordinary stories, children's author Betty Gilderdale says.

All Blacks manager Darren Shand is being honoured for his services to rugby but he finds that a strange way to describe a dream job.

Skope industries founder Robert Stewart says his knighthood is a tribute to the workers at his Christchurch business set up 45 years ago.

One of the latest Kiwis to be knighted, Sir Richard Hayes is probably the only knight in the country with the nickname Hannibal.

Outspoken Summerset Group director and former chief executive Norah Barlow was stunned to be made an officer of the NZ Order of Merit.

Queen's Birthday Honours: The nation says thanks very much for a job well done.

Christchurch millionaire and founder of the Scenic Hotel Group Earl Hagaman has been recognised for his services to business, tourism and philanthropy.

Bob Buckle is one of New Zealand's leading economists and was principal adviser to the Treasury from 2000 until 2008.

Kaye and Bernie Crosby founded Prolife Foods in 1984 from their home garage by selling nuts through vending machines.

Dancer Candy Lane says her reaction to being given the Queen's Service Medal was disbelief.

Mark Grantham has been a familiar sight to Newmarket shoppers for more than 20 years, selling chocolate bars for charity from his wheelchair.

The New Zealand fashion industry's growing influence has been recognised with three longstanding leaders named in the New Year Honours.

A full list of all those that received New Year honours in 2013.

A leading Maori education expert, former school teacher and principal has been knighted.

The chance to turn a collection of neglected, dangerous, disused waterfront buildings into one of Auckland's hippest dining, retail, fashion and commercial precincts.

This newspaper was clearly on to something when it awarded its New Zealander of the Year accolade to three young women - Eleanor Catton, Lydia Ko and Lorde.

Alastair Carruthers, with an extensive business and arts career, has been made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Richard Ballantyne has been lauded for his efforts in driving business and industry in Christchurch and helping to rebuild the city after its quakes.

Some names from the past have been recognised for their services to sport in the New Year Honours.

Writer Eleanor Catton hasn't set foot in New Zealand since her Man Booker Prize win, but has still never been far from the public eye.