Former Minister for Disability Issues Tariana Turia has been made a life member of CCS Disability Action - for making a difference.
The award was in recognition of her "exceptional work for the disability community" while minister, CCS Disability Action's chief executive David Matthews said.
Mrs Turia, of Whangaehu, stood down from Parliament at the last election.
Mr Matthews said she had been an "excellent Minister for Disability Issues who had left a strong legacy.
"Tariana was a powerful advocate. During her time as minister, Enabling Good Lives was started and she was behind a series of Disability Action Plans. She has made a real difference."
Mr Matthews said Mrs Turia had also been a very accessible minister, "always willing to talk to people and listen to new ideas.
"Tariana engaged with individuals and organisations across the disability community. She really took the time to get to know the disability community. We understand she was hesitant about the role at first, but she was a great minister."
Mr Matthews said CCS had been fighting for 79 years to get disabled people a fair go and it was important to have champions such as Mrs Turia within government.
CCS is the former Crippled Children Society and CCS Disability Action delivers services to more than 5000 people with disabilities, making it one of the largest disability support service providers in New Zealand.