The late Hai Tong Too has been honoured with a Queen's Service Medal for his services to the community in Hawke's Bay.
Mr Too's family accepted the accolade on his behalf in a ceremony at Auckland's Government House yesterday.
He died aged 71 in November last year, after being a long-serving stalwart of the local Chinese community.
New Zealand broadcaster Hewitt Humphrey read Mr Too's citation at yesterday's ceremony.
"Mr Tong Too was a key advocate for minority groups in Hawke's Bay for close to 40 years, helping new migrants to integrate into New Zealand society and to showcase their cultures," he said. As a martial arts and self defence instructor, Mr Too taught all age groups without profit. He was a lion dance instructor, drummer and guitarist, and a founding member of Ethnic Association Hawke's Bay. "He was president of Multicultural Association Hawke's Bay and the Hawke's Bay Chinese Association, and served on the International Advisory Board of Hastings District Council, assisting Hastings and Napier's sister city relationships in China," Mr Hewitt said.
Mr Too was also a chartered accountant, a Justice of the Peace and a national finalist in this year's Pride of New Zealand Awards Life Achievement category.