"First and foremost, my employers Bay Engineer Supplies and particularly Warrick and Lesley Talbot, who have been a real rock in supporting me since 1983 when I started with the company.
"Also the New Zealand Rugby Union and all my family, friends, my management team and the players.
"I have worked with some wonderful players over the years and a big thank you to Eric Rush, who was the guy who started everything for me. He was my captain for 13 years and he inspired me and taught me a lot as well."
Despite the new title, Tietjens says he does not want to be treated any differently.
"Titch is what I have always been known as and there is nothing different now. You may have that name in title but I think if they do call me 'sir' it will be in a joking way and be having me on in a lot of ways."
Before every leg of the IRB World Series, Tietjens brings the All Blacks sevens squad to Tauranga to train at Blake Park. The field was officially named Gordon Tietjens Field by Tauranga City Council last year.
He has previously been honoured with a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999 and the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007.