North has many reasons to cheer

Queen Elizabeth II's birthday was on April 21, when she turned 91. Photo / AP

There is much to celebrate about on this Queen's Birthday Weekend.

Ironically, one of them isn't the Queen's actual birthday - Queen Elizabeth II's birthday was on April 21, when she turned 91.

Honouring the English monarch timed nicely with the first match of the British and Irish Lions' rugby tour, in Whangarei.

For Northland and Whangarei especially, the game turned into much more than a sporting event, with thousands of people enjoying hospitality events before and afterwards.

The game was celebrated in good spirits, with no arrests linked to over-exuberant rugby fans.

As our visitors continue their tour of New Zealand, we wish them a safe and enjoyable journey.

The long weekend has also been cause to celebrate the success of five Northlanders named among the recipients of Queen's Birthday Honours.

Caroline Harriette Eliza "Moe" Milne from Matawaia has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Maori and health.

Whangarei-based bowls player and coach Ann Muir receives the Queen's Service Medal for services to bowls and the community.

Shirley May, of Pakaraka, has been awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to music and the community, and Marara Kaweora Te Tai Hook, from Te Rawhiti near Russell, also has a QSM, for service to her local communities, with a focus on marae of the area.

And Whangarei actor Rachel House can thank a lack of sporting ability for steering her towards acting, and the New Zealand Order of Merit inthe 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Congratulations to our honours recipients, and make sure you read more about them in today's special edition of the Northern Advocate.