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.

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.

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.

Sitting in the sunshine at Tahuna Marae, which borders the Manukau Harbour, Dame Nganeko Minhinnick touches the moko kauwae on her chin.

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.

Advertising veteran and global chief executive of Saatchi & Saatchi Kevin Roberts has been made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

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.