A renowned Kiwi musician and an acclaimed sports star are among 14 people recognised at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Auckland today.
Mike Chunn was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music and mental health awareness, while Ivan Vicelich was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Chunn, a former member of Split Enz and Citizen Band, established the Play it Strange Trust to encourage school kids to write songs.
Kimbra, who went on to success for her duet with Australian musician Gotye, was once a contestant in the Play it Strange songwriting competition.Chunn and his family attended the ceremony today, where he said it was a "special day".
"From my point of view, it's justification for the purpose of my life in Play it Strange, which is to see songwriting acknowledged, understood, respected and celebrated."Chunn struggled with agoraphobia and has been involved in promoting mental health awareness, particularly men's mental health, which he was recognised for today.
"To have a phobic disorder is the most appalling illness really," he said."Their ailment needs to respected, I'm just part of that wheel moving."Chunn said since being part of the "Like Minds Like Mine" campaign he had been approached by people on the street to share their story about a phobic disorder.
He was general manager of the Australian Performing Rights Association from 1992 to 2003.
Chunn's 13-year-old son was with him at the ceremony, and was excited to meet his sporting hero Ivan Vicelich, who was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to football.
Vicelich is New Zealand's most-capped international footballer and the former captain of the All Whites.
He made his debut for the team in 1995 against Uruguay, was an integral part of the All Whites team that qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and has represented New Zealand to three FIFA Confederations Cup tournaments.
"It's great to be here and involved in football, it's been my passion for life and I never started my career thinking about these things and being honoured," he said.
Vicelich said he was proud to be part of the development of football in New Zealand.
He plays for the Auckland City Football Club, is involved in coaching and a member of the Board of the Professional Footballers Association.