Queen's Birthday Honours for McCullum, Hesson

Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson have helped take New Zealand cricket to a new level. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Mike Hesson
Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to cricket

Brendon McCullum
Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to cricket

Mike Hesson didn't tell his wife and Brendon McCullum said it ranked with earning a tag on a seat at his local pub in Christchurch.

Both were describing their reactions after being made officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

The appointments come after New Zealand's unprecedented success in the Cricket World Cup at home in February and March. The Black Caps made the final for the first time in 11 attempts, captivating cricket lovers across the nation.

On a wider scale they have gone through six test series undefeated, although they face a challenge to continue that record against England at Headingley this week with the hosts up 1-0 in the two-test series.

McCullum made his one-day international debut for New Zealand in 2002 and followed with his first test in 2004. He has now played 94 tests in succession. In 2014 he became New Zealand's first test triple century-maker with 302 against India.

Hesson has coached New Zealand since 2012 as part of a 20-year career. In 1998 he was the youngest person to attain a New Zealand Cricket level three coaching qualification. Soon after, he became coaching director at Otago. He has also coached Argentina and Kenya. It is fitting they are honoured together, having spent so much time together in Otago cricket circles before taking to the international stage.

"I found out before I left New Zealand and kept it to myself," Hesson said. "I hadn't even told my wife. She opened the official letter and found out that way. It was pretty special and she's delighted as well.

"We don't coach to get honours. It's a wonderful surprise but something you don't achieve unless you've got a good bunch around you."

Hesson paid tribute to the World Cup for a rise in cricket's status.

"We knew it was special. Every time we walked around airports or grounds we felt like the whole country was behind the team, living every ball and wishing us well. It was such a special time in a game we love.

"This is recognition for the team. Brendon and I would be the first to admit that. Obviously we front the operation from a coach and captain perspective, but we wouldn't be here without a whole lot of damn good cricketers and support staff.

"Brendon's the face of the team. He made the key decisions and captured the nation with his style of play."

McCullum, the Herald's 2014 New Zealander of the Year, said he had been able to keep the honour secret. "To be recognised in such elite company is nice. It feels funny accepting one of these but I'm sure the rest of the guys will enjoy it too. We're trying to make an impact on sport while we have an opportunity, and leave it in a better space than when we took over."