Former Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says his knighthood has come at a special and difficult time, as he farewells his father.

A former mayor who championed innovative ways to get youth into work says he may have retired, but still has some unfinished business.

Legendary All Black wing Bryan G Williams, who has been honoured at Government House in Auckland for services to rugby, kicked off his oval-ball career in league.

New Zealand sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens doesn't have any plans to tone down his gut-busting training sessions following the news of his knighthood.

Brian Edwards worked for nearly half a century fighting fires, work for which he has now been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

A leading choreographer who has been acknowledged in the Queen's Birthday Honours list is one of three generations in her family to receive the nod.

For acclaimed Kiwi Pacific author Albert Wendt, writing is like breathing.

John Adshead doesn't quite have the stature of Sir Edmund Hillary, nor was he quite as good at lugging around 20kg at high altitude, but he considers himself something of a Hillary of New Zealand soccer.

Queen's Birthday means one thing besides a holiday: It brings an honours list. The nation will wake tomorrow to learn who has been brought to the Queen's attention - well, to a committee of ministers in Wellington, anyway - for commendation.

Who made the grade for the New Year Honours? See the full list here.